Mesothelioma Information Washington DC Blog | Parker, Dumler and Kiely LLP

Sunday, July 27, 2008

Asbestos-containing products

The following is a sample list of some materials that may contain asbestos. This list, compiled by the Enviornmental Protection Agency, does not include every product or material in which asbestos has been found. It is merely a general guide to show the types of products that may carry asbestos:

Cement pipes
Cement wallboard
Asphalt floor tile
Vinyl floor tile
Vinyl sheet flooring
Flooring backing
Contrstruction mastics (floor tile, carpet, ceiling tile, etc.)
Spray-applied insulation
Blown-in insulation
Fireproofing materials
Taping compounds (thermal)
Packing materials (for wall/floor penetrations)
High temperature gaskets
Laboratory hoods/table tops
Laboratory gloves
Fire blankets
Fire curtains
Elevator equipment panels
Elevator brake shoes
HVAC duct insulation
Boiler insulation
Breaching insulation
Ductwork flexible fabric connections
Cooling towers
Pipe insulation (corrugated air-cell, block, etc.)
Heating and electrical ducts
Electrical panel partitions
Electric cloth
Electric wiring insulation
Chalkboards
Roofing shingles
Roofing felt
Base flashing
Thermal paper products
Fire doors
Caulking putties
Adhesives
Wallboard
Joint compounds
Vinyl wall coverings
Spackling compounds

If you or a family member has been diagnosed with mesothelioma or asbestosis, please contact the experienced mesothelioma lawyers in Baltimore, Maryland and Washington, D.C. for a free initial consultation.

posted by Patti at 12:25 PM

Saturday, July 19, 2008

Caregiving skills and tips for Mesothelioma

When this killer disease strikes, it is not generally a question of whether it will be fatal, but only of when. Life’s simple tasks become challenging, sometimes impossible.

Caring for a person with mesothelioma requires a great amount of patience and strength. If your friend or family member begins to suffer from this fatal disease it can be difficult to maintain your composure. But bursting out in tears in front of them will only make matters worse. Mesothelioma patients need your emotional strength and encouragement to battle this horrible disease.

Knowledge is power. Learn about the disease, how it affects the patients. That way you will you be more prepared for whatever you are faced with.

Most patients will be prescribed morphine for pain. Your role is to convince your loved one that, when taken with care, it will never lead to addiction but instead help control pain.

You must not forget to provide your loved one with daily medicine, even when they seem OK.

Try keeping a diary to record your loved one’s daily progress. Also record their reactions toward each medicine. This way, you can team up with the doctors to help provide better medication for patients.

Your attention to detail, willingness to help them, and your care will definitely give new hope to mesothelioma patient that you care for.

If you or a family member has been diagnosed with mesothelioma or asbestosis, please contact the experienced mesothelioma lawyers in Baltimore, Maryland and Washington, D.C. for a free initial consultation.

posted by Patti at 12:22 PM

Friday, July 11, 2008

Hospice vs. In-Home Care

If you are caring for someone with malignant mesothelioma, you may eventually find that you are no longer able to provide the constant care that person needs. If your loved one wishes to stay in his or her own home during treatment, then hospice might be a viable option.

Hospice care is for people who know their disease is terminal, and are no longer seeking a cure, but hope to make the best of their final days. Hospice care seeks to manage pain and other symptoms while addressing a patient’s social, emotional and spiritual needs. The hospice philosophy allows patients to remain at home and close to family and friends, but stay under a team-oriented group of medical professionals.

The hospice team works with the patient and his or her family to develop a personalized care plan, while improving their quality of life.

While hospice programs only treat the symptoms of the disease, in-home care provides services and treatment that aggressively targets the cancer. Members of the health care team visit the patient at their home, and can provide treatment, pain medication, physical therapy and other medical care procedures.

The in-home care team has access to medical equipment, and can also help the caregiver with errands, prepare meals, or assist with personal hygiene. The primary care physician monitors his patient through members of the team is reachable via phone and through office visits.

If you or a family member has been diagnosed with mesothelioma or asbestosis, please contact the experienced mesothelioma lawyers in Baltimore, Maryland and Washington, D.C. for a free initial consultation.

posted by Patti at 12:20 PM

Tuesday, July 1, 2008

Tips on how to tell people about Mesothelioma

Although mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer, thousands of new cases are discovered each year. It is important for you to tell your friends and family when you are diagnosed with this condition—although it is never easy.

While there are support groups available to help you cope with this fatal disease, having the support of your friends and family is irreplaceable and essential to help you manage this disease.

As soon as you find out your condition, you should tell your loved ones. Sooner is better than later, and honesty is better than trying to sugar-coat the news. You will benefit from their support and encouragement during treatment. Set aside time every day to meet with familiar faces, so you don’t have to deal with this illness alone. Also, having people by your side constantly provides more of a distraction and will help keep you busy so the process is easier to deal with.

Don’t be afraid to bring you friends and family members to doctor’s appointments with you. They can help alleviate some of your fears, and ask any questions they might have. They can also ask any questions that you feel uncomfortable asking. The more your loved ones know about your disease, the better equipped they will be to help you.

If you or a family member has been diagnosed with mesothelioma or asbestosis, please contact the experienced mesothelioma lawyers in Baltimore, Maryland and Washington, D.C. for a free initial consultation.

posted by Patti at 12:16 PM