**

The mesothelium is the lining in the abdomen that surrounds the lungs and organs. It secretes small amounts of fluid that allow the lungs to expand and organs to move smoothly against each other. The cancer in these cells causes the cells to go crazy and divide uncontrollably. This also causes the cells to secrete more fluid into the abdomen than normal. So far, they have taken two gallons out of him and he is full again.

There are only about 2,000 cases diagnosed in the U.S. every year, so they know less about this kind than they know about ... say, lung cancer. They do know that it is mainly caused by previous exposure to asbestos. Dad has been a mechanic since he was a boy. Brake pads and clutches in cars used to be made of or contain asbestos. He also lived in a house that had asbestos throughout it (according to mom.)
They say that the earlier it is caught, the better chance of survival the patient has but he has been full of fluid since before Thanksgiving. Is that considered caught in time? I don't fucking know.

There are four stages of Mesothelioma. He is either in the first or second. We're hoping (praying) he's in the first.

He goes back next week to have the chemo port put into his chest, then the week after will start the chemo treatments. They are really worried about his weight loss as he has lost almost 45 pounds in the past couple of months. Shit, he lost eight since last week when he had his gall bladder out. The doctor wants him to eat about six meals a day and none of that sissy Weight Watchers shit either ... red meat, starches, carbs ... whatever will put weight back on him. He'll need it to fight the fight that he's in for. I guess we'll see and know more next week.