What is mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma can affect anyone – it is cancer caused mostly by exposure to asbestos. The exposure may have been very minimal, often occurring many years before. The exposure may have been very minimal, often occurring many years before.
Mesothelioma most commonly affects the lining of the chest cavity, but can also affect the lining of the abdomen. Treatment may involve surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy and immunotherapy, but it does not offer a cure.
Macmillan Lung Care Clinical Nurse Specialist or Key Worker
When you are told your diagnosis, you will usually be offered the opportunity to meet with a Macmillan Lung Care Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS).
The CNS has indepth knowledge of your illness and its treatment and will be able to discuss any concerns and questions you might have.
They can offer information about clinical trials, compensation and government benefits, and will prepare and support you through your care and treatment. The CNS will be your key worker and their contact details are:
Maidstone Hospital – 01622 225256
Key workers: Sandra Wakelin and Fran Bevans
Monday – Friday, 9am – 4pm (excluding bank holidays)
Answerphone messages picked up twice daily
Tunbridge Wells Hospital – 01892 635358
Key workers: Louise Gilham, Alison Smith and Florina Hewitt
Monday – Friday, 9am – 4pm (excluding bank holidays)
Answerphone messages picked up twice daily
In some circumstances there may not be a CNS available. If this is the case, other healthcare professionals will support you – these include ward nurses, your consultant or clinic nurses.
If you are at home or have finished your initial treatment, your GP, district nurse or community palliative care nurse will be your key worker.
If you require further information please contact the Macmillan Cancer Information Centre on 01622 227064 or Macmillan Cancer Support on 0808 808 0000.
Mesothelioma UK
Mesothelioma UK provides a “one stop shop” for those affected by mesothelioma, ensuring free access to specialist information, support, education and improved care and treatment.
Mesothelioma UK employs five clinical nurse specialists (CNS) across the UK. Louise Gilham supports patients across Kent and is based at Tunbridge Wells Hospital.
She has worked with mesothelioma and lung cancer patients for the last 20 years and, in addition to clinical care for patients, Louise also supports healthcare professionals throughout Kent helping optimise patient access to treatment and promoting clinical trials.
LASAG – London Asbestos Support Awareness Group for London and the South East
LASAG operates across London and the south east and their team of advisors can offer practical advice and are knowledgeable about benefits and compensation schemes.
They can help you with paperwork and provide assistance and guidance. Their advisors can help by visiting you at home and can be contacted by telephone. Their services are free. They can help link you with support groups so that you can meet and talk with other people suffering from asbestos-related illnesses.
HASAG – Hampshire Asbestos Support Awareness Group for the South & South East
HASAG advisors can visit you at home and provide help and support with paperwork, government benefits, asbestos claims. They also run support groups where you can meet others suffering from asbestos-related illnesses.