Mesothelioma Survivor Discusses Her Support Group Experience

Tami Pream is currently undergoing immunotherapy for a recurrence of mesothelioma. It’s been less than 3 years since her initial diagnosis. With this recent setback in her mesothelioma journey, she was looking for support.

She’s recently joined The Mesothelioma Center’s support group. We meet monthly and the group is available to mesothelioma survivors, caregivers and family members. It’s a safe place to share stories with others on similar mesothelioma journeys. 

“It was good, very informative,” Tami tells us about her first meeting. “A gentleman who was newly diagnosed with mesothelioma shared some of his experiences. I could sense what he was going through.”

She shares she could also relate to the questions he had for another participant in the group who was diagnosed in 2021. He had discussed traveling while receiving treatment.

“He’s going on cruises and doing all sorts of things, and he’s on his eleventh round of chemotherapy. He’s still living his dreams and doing well,” Tami says. “It was uplifting to listen to him.”

Tami says she appreciates hearing first-hand about the experiences of other mesothelioma survivors. She also hopes to travel again soon, but has been hesitant during treatment. Listening to a fellow survivor’s personal experience with travel during treatment gave her a lot to think about and discuss with her doctors.

Tami’s Personal Support System

She says she’s thankful her friends and family have continued to support her during mesothelioma treatments and recovery. Tami adds that it can be challenging for loved ones to juggle travel, health issues and daily life.

Her daughter-in-law, Shealan, took Tami to the Mayo Clinic for treatment. She traveled back and forth every day from home to the clinic. It’s about a 90-minute drive from her home to the clinic.

Tami adds, “My son Matthew and grandson Michael visited until I got COVID 10 days later. At that point, they had to leave.” 

Her son Jacob and his wife Ashlea were all able to visit COVID was no longer a threat. Her close friend Shelly was also able to visit.

“What was to be a 26-day adventure with visits turned into 40 with a 10-day pause in treatment because of COVID,” Tami recounts. “My husband Frank, Shealan, Matt, Michael, Jacob and Ashlea have all supported me along the way.”

She says her friends have also lent their support. “Shelly has been by my side through all this. And I would be remiss not to mention Tammy who helps care for our cat Watson when we’re away at Mayo Clinic.” 

Exercise and Nutrition Changes

Despite her mesothelioma recurrence, one of Tami’s goals is to get back into exercising. But, her doctors say heated intraperitoneal chemotherapy and cytoreductive surgery in 2022 has affected her physical abilities.  

“I asked if I could return to water aerobics,” Tami says. “I was told ‘Yes. Don’t go crazy and go easy on it.’ Walking is fine. I’m not a runner, so I wouldn’t run.”

She adds, “I have no omentum now; it’s been replaced with mesh. So, I’m guessing they probably don’t want me to do a whole lot of lifting or anything that involves my abdominal cavity.”

Her approach to nutrition has also changed following her surgery. Because chemotherapy caused chronic kidney disease, she has to be careful about what she eats.

“I started watching sodium and potassium levels in food. Potassium is a really big thing for me,” Tami explains. “As an example, I haven’t had a banana since April 2022. It’s not something I eat because it’s one of the highest sources of potassium. I’ll have avocado once in a while, but not very often.”

She adds, “I will no longer have a big tomato, just grape or cherry tomatoes. I still have spaghetti, but I limit the amount. Finding the right mix is definitely a constant battle for me.” 

Tami says she’s also eating smaller portions and doesn’t get hungry often. She thinks her limited appetite is the result of a combination mesothelioma and treatment on her digestion and radiation treatments she underwent in 2022 for esophageal cancer.

THC Providing Some Relief and Advice for Survivors 

Tami avoids drinks like soda, but says seltzer drinks with THC (compounds found in the cannabis plant) have helped her. They’ve offered her some symptom relief.

“I sleep better. I feel better. I don’t feel nearly as bloated,” Tami shares. “I do like to have those now and again. I don’t have them all the time.” 

It’s best to discuss the use of THC or any other cannabis-based therapies such as medical marijuana with your doctor first. They can advise you on any potential drug interactions with other medications you’re taking or possible reactions.

Tami offers some advice for anyone diagnosed with mesothelioma: “It’s a tough diagnosis but don’t give up. Put up the fight and do the research. It isn’t necessarily a death sentence, and I have to remind myself that every day. It is a mental battle when you get cancer.”