Qsponge is not an expert site and as such cannot offer personal medical advice, diagnosis or prognosis. Cancer is an emotive subject and can affect both families and friends of the sufferer. It is important to seek professional help early in all medical cases - whether you are the person with the condition or someone who has been emotionally affected by it happening to a close friend or relative.

If the cost of medical help seems off-putting, keep a clear head and do some research on the web. Avoid sites offering cures - they will be fraudulent. Look for information about the disease in a range of sites so that you are well informed, whether you are the sufferer or an affected party this will stand you in good stead as a friend or to make decisions about your treatment.

Mesothelioma is a rare cancer and as a result suffers from having less research funding than cancers that affect a larger number of people.

Possibly due to this and to the fact that Mesothelioma can occur in many places, particularly the lungs, and is typically particle induced (from inhanling asbestos dust). The prognosis is currently not good. Treatment involves both chemotherapy and radiotherapy which have their own side effects - do not let the side effects put you off these are well-known, treatable and usually short-term. Focus on removing the cancer then deal with the residual problems.