Being told that you may have a cancer or receiving confirmation that you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma can be very difficult for you and your family.

Often, you may have anxieties about a number of issues relating to investigations, diagnosis and treatment.

I am a qualified nurse with additional knowledge and expertise in mesothelioma, who will act as your key worker and will be pivotal throughout your whole care pathway, providing support, information and advice to you and your family.

I will help to coordinate your care and be a familiar face at the hospital that you can call on when needed.

Our aim is to give you the best possible health care and to help you to be as independent and confident as possible at all times.

Sometimes it can help just to talk things through.

As a Mesothelioma Clinical Nurse Specialist I can provide personal and emotional support through all stages of your illness and can act as a useful link between you and other health-care professionals, both in the hospital and at home.

Many people find that more information eases their worries; you may for example want to know more about mesothelioma or lung cancer. You may wish information about tests you may need and what they involve, your diagnosis or proposed treatments such as:

• • • 1. Systemic therapies e.g. chemotherapy, immunotherapy & targeted medicines

      2. Clinical trials

      3. Radiotherapy

      4. Surgery

      5. Symptomatic / supportive care

Advice can be given on a range of issues, directly or indirectly related to having mesothelioma or lung cancer, or we can recommend other sources of advice and information to you or your family/carer.

For example you may want information regarding:

• • • 1. Symptoms and their management

      2. Medication queries

      3. Compensation and the role of Asbestos Action Agencies.

      4. Financial resources and benefits information

      5. Dealing with issues or concerns surrounding children, employment, driving and holiday travel

Additional available support services within the community e.g. Community Macmillan nurses, District nurses, social worker/care managers, other health-care professionals and the specialist palliative care unit.

The services provided by third-sector organisations e.g Meso UK, Macmillan, CLAN, Maggie's Centre etc.

I will attend the local Lung and National Mesothelioma multidisciplinary team meetings to help determine the best treatment plan for you, assess your suitability for clinical trials and represent your wishes and best interests.

Macmillan Navigator Service for patient enquiries and concerns - 01224 551551

Office extension 01224 550 907

gram.mesomdt@nhs.scot