On Sunday, March 30th, a group of people affected by mesothelioma gathered at the Marriott in downtown Detroit's Renaissance Center for a remembrance brunch. The event was sponsored by California-based Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization and the Karmanos Cancer Institute in Michigan.

Some, like Latanyta Manuel, who lost her husband Andrew to mesothelioma, were there in honor of their lost loved ones. Manuel said she just wants to honor Andrew's wishes and spread awareness about the disease. Others, however, were there because they had been diagnosed with the deadly disease themselves.

Those gathered Sunday said they and their loved ones got sick in different ways. For instance, Andrew Manuel's father worked in a pipeline, bringing asbestos back into the home while another man believes he was exposed secondhand, too, but said he also believes that contact with everyday products contributed.

The remembrance brunch is held annually to support each other and to spread the word about asbestos-related diseases, including mesothelioma and asbestosis.

A mesothelioma diagnosis can be overwhelming. Because the disease can be fast-acting, there is often a lot to keep straight. In the midst of treatment and therapy, it is important to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Proper diet, in particular, can help slow the disease’s progression. MesoRC recommends that you consult your doctor for personalized advice, but we have gathered some general dieting guidelines you may want to consider.

- Protein is a vital dietary component. In general, proteins provide structure, help transport nutrients, and are responsible for repair within our bodies. Lean chicken and turkey are great sources of helpful protein.

- Try to keep protein in your diet and reduce (but not eliminate!) your intake of carbohydrates. Carbs provide our bodies with energy, but do not take an active role in repairing tissue. Try to get most of your carbs from fiber-rich vegetables or fruit.

- Stay hydrated. Drink a lot of water, especially during treatment periods, to flush out toxins from the body.

- If you experience a loss of appetite, try to eat foods high in calories. This way, you are providing your body without engery, without having to eat a large meal. Butter, cheese, honey, and sugars are very high in calories.

- Sometimes, solid foods can be difficult to ingest. Try soft, blended drinks like fruit smoothies instead.

For more guidelines on diet and for other mesothelioma advice, please visit this MesoRC page, or read this entry by our social worker.

Choosing a facility to provide your mesothelioma treatment and care can be a challenging task. As a general rule of thumb, larger hospitals and specialized cancer centers may have more experience in dealing with different cancers. As a result, they may offer more services for patients with rare disorders such as mesothelioma.

Asking the right questions is an important first step in choosing a place that's right for your needs. Click Here to find some of the major points to consider when researching a mesothelioma treatment facility.