Hello again Maria I contacted Rod Smith and he would like you to call him on 1800031731. he is sure he can link you up with people in your situation near Melbourne or email angels@berniebanton.com.au. I hope you find support for you and your mum. I have found them to be a great comfort just by being there on line for me. I live up towards Newcastle on Lake Macquarie. Let me know how you get on and any questions email me myracarter@gmail.com..or sykingharald@hotmail.com. best wishes E ... View more

Hi Maria Ron Smith who organises the Facebook support groups is very active in all aspects of Meso. I will go Google and see if I can get him linked up with you. He is very reassuring about what's in store..and dedicates his life to warning of the dangers of Asbestos etc. He lives on the Mornington Peninsular I think but should be able to help. Does your Mum know where she would have come in contact? If it was through work the Dust Disease Board might be able to help with financial support.. It's been a long haul but I'll try and find the groups for you..off to FB to message Ron Smith.Don't read absolutely everything about Meso because every one is different ..It's very frightening at first but as time goes by you'll gather more strength and cope well... more later...Glad your Mum is feeling well.. ... View more

Hi Maria Ron Smith who organises the Facebook support groups is very active in all aspects of Meso. I will go Google and see if I can get him linked up with you. He is very reassuring about what's in store..and dedicates his life to warning of the dangers of Asbestos etc. He lives on the Mornington Peninsular I think but should be able to help. Does your Mum know where she would have come in contact? If it was through work the Dust Disease Board might be able to help with financial support.. It's been a long haul but I'll try and find the groups for you..off to FB to message Ron Smith.Don't read absolutely everything about Meso because every one is different ..It's very frightening at first but as time goes by you'll gather more strength and cope well... more later...Glad your Mum is feeling well.. ... View more

Dear Maria I have had to set up a new account to be able to reply to you. (I lost the other details) I have a lot of positive information for you. Please email me directly at myracarter@gmail.com or find me on Facebook as Elise. My most encouraging information comes from support groups on Facebook. If you find me there as Elise Carter (profile pic of me and John on seawall with a dog. I have wet hair and a red cardigan.) Rod Smith runs an information page for carers..etc..and several other pages through Facebook. You will find many other people there who are fun, informative and very supportive..they too are either Meso sufferers or carers. It feels so lonely at first. If your mum feels well, just get her to enjoy life to the full and ignore all the stats. There are several people living a longer life than the "average" Lou Williams has had Meso for 11 years. It is a terrifying diagnosis but there is no need to rush into chemo.. as long as she is comfortable now just eat well, live well and perhaps see a Naturopath if you can afford it. John is busy building carports, chopping wood, going sailing nearly 10 months since his diagnosis...He gets a bit tired but then he will be 75 in January. Some researches suggest that the chemo makes very little difference to the outcome and some have very bad side effects. I just always give him the info and he decides to try it if he wants.. no pressure. Ok Hope you can find the support on FB or just email me... I looked up your name but there were many Maria Portelli. all best. cyber hug. Elise ... View more