MESO: The Mesothelioma Podcast

MesotheliomaPodcast.com
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MESO: The Mesothelioma Podcast is a supportive, medically informed, and deeply human show dedicated to helping families navigate life after a mesothelioma diagnosis. Hosted by patient advocate, Dave Foster, the podcast brings together the voices of doctors, survivors, caregivers, and leading experts to deliver clarity, guidance, and hope when it’s needed most. Sponsored by Danziger & De Llano, one of the nation’s most experienced mesothelioma law firms, the show offers more than legal insight—it provides practical direction, emotional support, and a roadmap for getting the best medical care as quickly as possible. Whether you or a loved one has just been diagnosed or you're searching for trusted information, MESO breaks down the medical, legal, and personal impact of this rare disease in a way that’s easy to understand and compassionate at every step. Every episode delivers meaningful conversations, survivor stories, expert interviews, and actionable next steps so families can make informed decisions with confidence. If you need answers, support, or guidance—you’re in the right place. For more information, visit Danziger & De Llano at Dandell.com.

Episodes

  1. FEB 9

    From ICU To Lifeline: Nursing Mesothelioma Care

    Over 80% of mesothelioma patients are initially misdiagnosed. For those who reach a specialist center, the work that happens after surgery often decides the outcome. In this episode of MESO: The Mesothelioma Podcast, host Dave Foster — Executive Director of Patient Advocacy at Danziger & De Llano with 18 years of experience — sits down with Lisa and Ellie Erickson, registered nurses with 30+ years at Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston, to discuss how specialist nursing transformed mesothelioma care through Dr. David Sugarbaker's International Mesothelioma Program. Together, they cover: How Dr. Sugarbaker's International Mesothelioma Program launched in 2002 — and how two ICU nurses pioneered transitional care to reduce preventable readmissionsThe shift from surgery-first to immunotherapy as frontline treatment, and why Dr. Raphael Bueno performs 10-hour pleurectomies at BrighamWhy a primary care doctor may see only one mesothelioma case in a career — and what specialist centers offer that general oncology cannotComplicated grief — a recognized psychiatric diagnosis — and the toll mesothelioma takes on families long after treatment endsThe ongoing global debate at iMig conferences over surgery's role, and why Europe is now revisiting its stanceWhether you're evaluating mesothelioma treatment centers, navigating post-surgical care, or seeking guidance on specialist support — this episode explains what to ask for and why aftercare matters. FAQ Why should mesothelioma patients choose a specialist center? With only ~3,000 U.S. cases annually, a general doctor may see one case in a career. Specialist centers know the cell subtypes, offer clinical trials, and provide coordinated teams — including the aftercare Dr. Sugarbaker called essential to survival. What is the difference between a pleurectomy and an EPP? A pleurectomy/decortication (P/D) removes diseased tissue while preserving the lung. An extrapleural pneumonectomy (EPP) removes the entire lung. Brigham now performs only pleurectomies under Dr. Bueno; Dr. Joseph Friedberg continues EPPs elsewhere. What is complicated grief? A psychiatric diagnosis where a bereaved person cannot move forward after loss. Nurse Ellie Erickson describes encountering it at mesothelioma conferences — families retelling the same story years later, unable to process the sudden progression of this disease. Expert Source Dave Foster — Executive Director of Patient Advocacy, Danziger & De Llano. 18-year veteran helping mesothelioma families. dandell.com/david-foster/ Resources Mesothelioma Overview: dandell.com/mesothelioma/Compensation Options: dandell.com/mesothelioma-compensation/Free Consultation: dandell.com/contact-us/MESO: The Mesothelioma Podcast is sponsored by Danziger & De Llano, a nationwide mesothelioma law firm with over 30 years of experience and nearly $2 billion recovered for asbestos victims. For a free consultation, visit Dandell.com.

    19 min

  2. FEB 3

    From Grief To Advocacy

    Episode Title From Grief to Advocacy: How One Caregiver's Photo Album Changed a Senator's Mind Episode Description A mesothelioma caregiver's photo album—with no written words—moved a U.S. Senator to tears and earned her a spot at a national press conference. Marilyn Fake's journey from Capitol Hill advocate to hospital emergency department technician reveals how caregiving transforms lives long after a loved one passes. In this episode of MESO: The Mesothelioma Podcast, host Anna Jackson—Director of Patient Support at Danziger & De Llano with over 15 years of experience helping mesothelioma families—sits down with Marilyn Fake, who cared for her husband Billy through a nine-hour extrapleural pneumonectomy and radiation treatment at MD Anderson Cancer Center before becoming a hospital caregiver and "No One Dies Alone" volunteer. Together, they cover: How visual storytelling—photos of Billy before and after surgery—proved more powerful than written testimony when lobbying for an asbestos ban in Washington, D.C.The talc-mesothelioma connection Marilyn raised at a 2009 MARF banquet—a link scientists later confirmed between baby powder and peritoneal mesothelioma in womenPractical nutrition strategies for patients with radiation-damaged esophagus, including why raspberry parfait gelatin became essential for swallowing pillsThe "No One Dies Alone" hospital program where trained volunteers sit with dying patients who have no family—carrying a duffel bag with instrumental music and gentle lightWhy it took 16 years to scatter Billy's ashes at his favorite Montana mountain—and how 25 friends from his four-wheel drive club made the memorial unforgettableWhether you're caring for a loved one with mesothelioma, navigating treatment side effects, or seeking connection with others who understand this journey, this conversation offers rare practical wisdom and emotional support. Resources: Caregiver Support: https://dandell.com/mesothelioma-diagnosis/Anna Jackson, Director of Patient Support: https://dandell.com/anna-jackson/Mesothelioma Information: https://dandell.com/mesothelioma/Free Consultation: https://dandell.com/contact-us/MESO: The Mesothelioma Podcast is sponsored by Danziger & De Llano, a nationwide mesothelioma law firm with over 30 years of experience and nearly $2 billion recovered for asbestos victims. For a free consultation, visit Dandell.com.

    22 min

  3. JAN 28

    Love, Loss, and Mesothelioma: What 4.5 Years as a Caregiver Taught One Family

    Episode Description: Mesothelioma patients given 6-12 months to live sometimes survive years longer — but what does that journey actually look like for the families who walk it with them? In this episode of MESO: The Mesothelioma Podcast, Anna Jackson — Director of Patient Support at Danziger & De Llano with 15+ years of experience helping mesothelioma families — sits down with Marilyn Fake, a mesothelioma victim advocate whose husband Billy survived 4.5 years after his pleural mesothelioma diagnosis following 36 years of occupational asbestos exposure as a boilermaker welder. Together, they cover: The diagnosis moment: How a Montana ER doctor's question — "Have you ever heard of mesothelioma?" — changed everything, and why Billy's thoracic surgeon's recent MD Anderson Cancer Center fellowship opened doors to specialized treatmentTreatment decisions: Why Billy chose extrapleural pneumonectomy (complete lung removal) to extend his life beyond the initial 6-12 month prognosis, and what daily radiation treatment at MD Anderson was really likeThe caregiver reality: How Marilyn quit her job to provide full-time care for 4.5 years — a commitment his surgeon credited with keeping Billy alive longer than expectedFinding meaning in loss: When Billy couldn't attend his children's weddings, the family brought the weddings to his hospital room — cake, champagne, and hand squeezes that said "I'm here"The final goodbye: How a Red Cross-arranged visit from a son-in-law deployed in Iraq allowed Billy to let go peacefully, just 90 minutes after Ryan walked through the doorWhether you're newly diagnosed with mesothelioma, caring for a loved one with this disease, or processing your own journey through grief, this episode offers honest perspective from someone who's been there — 17 years later, still raw, still willing to help. Resources: Mesothelioma Overview: https://dandell.com/mesothelioma/Mesothelioma Compensation: https://dandell.com/mesothelioma-compensation/Anna Jackson, Director of Patient Support: https://dandell.com/anna-jackson/Free Consultation: https://dandell.com/contact-us/MESO: The Mesothelioma Podcast is sponsored by Danziger & De Llano, a nationwide mesothelioma law firm with over 30 years of experience and nearly $2 billion recovered for asbestos victims. For a free consultation, visit Dandell.com.

    14 min

  4. JAN 19

    Texas Asbestos Exposure: Refineries, Legal History & One Family's Story

    Texas Asbestos Exposure: Refineries, Legal History & One Family's Story Episode Description Six of the top oil refineries in the United States are located in Texas—and refinery workers, construction crews, and even their families have paid the price with mesothelioma diagnoses decades later. In this episode of MESO: The Mesothelioma Podcast, host Dave Foster—Executive Director of patient advocacy at Danziger & De Llano with 18 years of experience helping mesothelioma families—sits down with Rod De Llano, Founding Partner with 25 years of mesothelioma litigation experience, and Larry Gates, Senior Client Advocate whose father died of mesothelioma in 1999 after 22 years of refinery work in Pasadena, Texas. Together, they cover: Why Texas ranks among the top three states for mesothelioma cases—alongside California and Florida—due to refineries, shipyards, and petrochemical plants concentrated along the Gulf CoastThe hidden danger of drilling mud: asbestos-containing drilling fluids exposed roughnecks and oil field workers until approximately 1985Secondary exposure patterns: how wives and children developed mesothelioma 30+ years after breathing fibers from workers' clothingHow asbestos litigation began in the 1980s and led to approximately 35 trust funds now compensating victims and familiesLarry's personal story: watching his healthy, athletic father go from active to gone in just 6 months after his 1999 diagnosisWhy Texas law changes in 2003 made it harder to file mesothelioma cases in the state—and where cases are filed nowWhether you're a refinery worker, construction tradesperson, military veteran stationed in Texas, or a family member seeking answers about a loved one's exposure, this episode explains the industries, timelines, and legal landscape that shaped Texas asbestos cases. Resources: Asbestos Exposure Sources: https://dandell.com/asbestos-exposure/Mesothelioma Compensation: https://dandell.com/mesothelioma-compensation/Rod De Llano, Founding Partner: https://dandell.com/rod-de-llano/Larry Gates, Senior Client Advocate: https://dandell.com/larry-gates/Free Consultation: https://dandell.com/contact-us/MESO: The Mesothelioma Podcast is sponsored by Danziger & De Llano, a nationwide mesothelioma law firm with over 30 years of experience and nearly $2 billion recovered for asbestos victims. For a free consultation, visit Dandell.com.

    18 min

  5. JAN 12

    From Terminal Prognosis To Purpose: Katherine Keyes On Life After Mesothelioma

    What does life look like when one lung has to do the work of two? We sit with Katherine Keyes for a candid, hopeful, and deeply practical conversation about rebuilding a life after mesothelioma—physically, mentally, and socially. No platitudes, just real tools: how to pace exercise without crashing, taper pain meds and oxygen safely, and design a “new normal” that protects energy while making room for joy. Katherine walks us through the slow return to movement: starting with short treadmill sessions, adding gentle cycling, and using pulmonary testing to measure how her left lung adapted. She explains why consistency beats intensity, how rest intervals prevent setbacks, and why even light activity like gardening becomes powerful rehab for breath and mood. We talk openly about off days, the sting of lost abilities, and the counterweight of daily gratitude—small rituals that anchor motivation when willpower fades. We also explore survivor’s guilt and the complicated relief of long-term remission. Katherine shares the role of clinicians, family, and community in keeping her grounded, and why accepting help can be as brave as offering it. The episode highlights tapering strategies for opioids and oxygen, mental health guardrails, and the value of purposeful routines. Her story is both blueprint and encouragement: redefine success, move a little most days, ask for support, and pass it forward. If you’re navigating mesothelioma, chronic illness, or any hard reset, Katherine's wisdom will meet you where you are and help you take the next steady step. Subscribe, share with someone who needs hope today, and leave a review to help others find this conversation. MESO: The Mesothelioma Podcast is sponsored by Danziger & De Llano, a nationwide mesothelioma law firm with over 30 years of experience and nearly $2 billion recovered for asbestos victims. For a free consultation, visit Dandell.com.

    29 min

  6. JAN 5

    From ICU To Independence: A Mesothelioma Survivor’s Road Back

    Episode 6: Katherine Keyes — Life After Lung Removal Surgery The median survival for pleural mesothelioma with treatment is 18-31 months—yet Katherine Keyes was diagnosed in 2007 and is still thriving 17 years later. In this episode of MESO: The Mesothelioma Podcast, host Dave Foster—Executive Director of patient advocacy at Danziger & De Llano with 18 years of experience helping mesothelioma families—sits down with Katherine Keyes, a Stage 1 pleural mesothelioma survivor who defied a one-year prognosis after extrapleural pneumonectomy. Katherine walks through the rarely discussed post-surgery reality: managing 10-12 medications on strict schedules, oxygen dependency 24 hours a day, and the physical therapy required to retrain a single lung. Her daughters moved in and split day-night shifts to coordinate care. A close friend who worked as a nurse at Methodist Hospital in Dallas stopped by every morning before her own shift to help Katherine bathe and dress. When appetite vanished and weight dropped, marinol helped restore enough hunger to stabilize. Together, they cover: Post-surgical recovery protocols: 10-12 different medications with alarm-scheduled dosing, 24/7 oxygen therapy using both portable backpack units and stationary concentrators, and the transition from walker to independent mobilityDaily radiation at MD Anderson Cancer Center: Katherine leased an apartment near the Houston medical district and completed five days per week of radiation therapy for two and a half months, driving herself to and from treatmentPhysical therapy timeline and goals: Six months of stretching exercises to prevent chest wall adhesions, maintain lung capacity in the remaining lung, and rebuild strength after major surgeryFamily support systems that work: Daughters who created medication schedules with alarm clocks, a nurse friend who provided daily care assistance, and employers (Neiman Marcus) who allowed remote work to accommodate caregivingLong-term recovery realities: Katherine was not medically cleared to return to full-time work but gradually returned to part-time employment after several years, learning to balance independence with medical precautionsWhether you're facing mesothelioma surgery, supporting someone through post-surgical recovery, or navigating life after lung removal, Katherine's story offers practical guidance on oxygen management, medication coordination, rehabilitation timelines, and building support systems that sustain long-term survival. Resources: Mesothelioma Diagnosis Information: https://dandell.com/mesothelioma-diagnosis/Dave Foster, Executive Director of Patient Advocacy: https://dandell.com/david-foster/Anna Jackson, Director of Patient Support: https://dandell.com/anna-jackson/Free Consultation: https://dandell.com/contact-us/ MESO: The Mesothelioma Podcast is sponsored by Danziger & De Llano, a nationwide mesothelioma law firm with over 30 years of experience and nearly $2 billion recovered for asbestos victims. For a free consultation, visit Dandell.com.

    16 min

  7. 12/29/2025

    A Patient’s Journey Through ICU, Recovery, And The Power Of Honest Doctors

    Katherine Keys Part 4: Episode DescriptionMESO: The Mesothelioma Podcast Mesothelioma patients who undergo lung-sparing surgery face an average hospital stay of 3-4 weeks—and the recovery journey requires both exceptional medical care and fierce self-advocacy. In Part 4 of her survivor story on MESO: The Mesothelioma Podcast, host Dave Foster—Executive Director of patient advocacy at Danziger & De Llano with 18 years of experience helping mesothelioma families—continues his conversation with Katherine Keys, a Stage 1 pleural mesothelioma survivor now 17+ years past her diagnosis. Katherine shares the raw reality of post-surgical recovery at MD Anderson Cancer Center, including two weeks in ICU, learning to walk again with only one functioning lung, and the moment her elderly mother climbed the front steps to welcome her home. Together, they cover: • The trust Katherine placed in her surgeon Dr. David Rice at MD Anderson Cancer Center—and why his no-sugarcoating communication style set expectations that held up through the hardest moments • Two weeks in the ICU and the fatigue that comes with intensive monitoring—plus a troubling incident with an aide that led Katherine to advocate for her own safety (and how hospital leadership responded within hours) • What graded mobility actually looks like after major thoracic surgery: using the IV pole as a walking partner, resting without quitting, and celebrating two laps around the nursing station as the discharge milestone • The 3.5-hour drive home in 93-degree August heat with oxygen tanks, a walker, and the logistics no one prepares you for—from highway rest stops to hotel lobbies • The gut-punch moment when Katherine's mother—newly discharged from her own hospitalization—arrived on a cane to welcome her daughter home, a reminder that healing is communal, not just clinical Whether you're facing thoracic surgery for mesothelioma or supporting someone through recovery, this episode reveals what really happens between the operating room and returning home—and how honest communication, patient self-advocacy, and family support braid together to pull someone through. Resources:  • Mesothelioma Diagnosis & Treatment: https://dandell.com/mesothelioma-diagnosis/  • Dave Foster, Executive Director of Patient Advocacy: https://dandell.com/david-foster/  • Understanding Mesothelioma: https://dandell.com/mesothelioma/  • Free Consultation: https://dandell.com/contact-us/ MESO: The Mesothelioma Podcast is sponsored by Danziger & De Llano, a nationwide mesothelioma law firm with over 30 years of experience and nearly $2 billion recovered for asbestos victims. For a free consultation, visit Dandell.com.

    20 min

  8. 12/15/2025

    They Called Her Family to Say Goodbye: Katherine Keys' Mesothelioma Surgery and 18-Year Survival (Part 3)

    "They Called Her Family to Say Goodbye: Katherine Keys' Mesothelioma Surgery and 18-Year Survival (Part 3)" Katherine Keys was given 12-18 months to live after her pleural mesothelioma diagnosis. More than 18 years later, she's the longest documented pleural mesothelioma survivor in the world. In this final episode of her three-part interview, Katherine describes her extrapleural pneumonectomy surgery, the moment her family was told she wouldn't survive, and why choosing an expert surgeon saved her life. In This Episode:  • What to expect before, during, and after extrapleural pneumonectomy (EPP) surgery  • Katherine's experience on life support when her family was called to say goodbye  • The 50/50 risk of nerve damage she faced going into surgery  • Why choosing a mesothelioma specialist—not a generalist—can mean life or death Who Should Listen: Mesothelioma patients considering surgery, caregivers preparing to support a loved one, and anyone seeking hope from someone who defied a terminal prognosis. FAQ What is an extrapleural pneumonectomy (EPP)? EPP is a radical surgical procedure that removes the affected lung, lung lining (pleura), portions of the diaphragm, and heart lining (pericardium). Surgery typically requires accessing the chest through the back and may involve breaking a rib. EPP is now performed less frequently, with many surgeons preferring pleurectomy/decortication (P/D). What is the typical mesothelioma survival rate? Median survival is 12-21 months without treatment and 18-31 months with treatment. The 5-year survival rate is approximately 10-12%. Long-term survivors like Katherine Keys are rare but demonstrate survival is possible with expert care. Why choose a mesothelioma specialist surgeon? With only ~3,000 U.S. cases annually, most surgeons see one or two cases in their careers. Specialists at centers like MD Anderson, Brigham and Women's, or Memorial Sloan Kettering have performed hundreds of procedures. Katherine credits her survival to choosing Dr. David Rice rather than staying with her initial physician. About the Participants Dave Foster — Executive Director of Patient Advocacy at Danziger & De Llano (18 years experience). Author of Beating The Odds: Surviving with Mesothelioma. Katherine Keys — Longest documented pleural mesothelioma survivor (18+ years post-diagnosis and EPP surgery). Anna Jackson — Director of Patient Support at Danziger & De Llano (nearly 15 years experience). Resources Book: Beating The Odds: Surviving with Mesothelioma by Dave Foster Danziger & De Llano: https://dandell.com  • Mesothelioma Lawsuits • Asbestos Trust Funds ($30B+ available) • Veterans & Mesothelioma Episode Series: Understanding Mesothelioma: First Steps After a DiagnosisThe Longest-Known Survivor of Pleural Mesothelioma: Katherine Keys' 18-Year Journey (Part 1)18 Years After Lung Removal: Katherine Keys' Record-Breaking Survival Story (Part 2)They Called Her Family to Say Goodbye: Katherine Keys' Surgery and 18-Year Survival (Part 3) — this episodeSponsor: MESO: The Mesothelioma Podcast is sponsored by Danziger & De Llano, a nationwide mesothelioma law firm with over 30 years of experience and nearly $2 billion recovered for asbes MESO: The Mesothelioma Podcast is sponsored by Danziger & De Llano, a nationwide mesothelioma law firm with over 30 years of experience and nearly $2 billion recovered for asbestos victims. For a free consultation, visit Dandell.com.

    14 min

  9. 12/08/2025

    18 Years After Lung Removal: Katherine Keys' Record-Breaking Mesothelioma Survival Story (Part 2)

    Katherine Keys was given one year to live. Eighteen years later, she's the longest-surviving mesothelioma patient to undergo extrapleural pneumonectomy (EPP)—a surgery so aggressive that European studies concluded it wasn't worth performing. In Part 2 of this two-part episode of MESO: The Mesothelioma Podcast, host Dave Foster—Executive Director of patient advocacy at Danziger & De Llano with 18 years of experience—continues his conversation with Katherine, an 18-year pleural mesothelioma survivor whose outcome defied every statistic. Together, they cover: How Dr. David Rice performed Katherine's EPP on July 18, 2007, removing her lung and lung lining through an incision requiring rib access—and why she credits his thoroughness for her outcomeThe six-month oxygen dependency that followed surgery—requiring supplemental oxygen 24/7, even in the shower—and the physical therapy needed to relearn basic functions like swallowingWhy Katherine's case was discussed at the International Mesothelioma Interest Group meeting in Philadelphia, where surgeons confirmed no other EPP patient has survived as longThe daily limitations she manages 18 years later, including nerve damage on her right side, breathing difficulties on poor air quality days, and needing to eat slowly to prevent food from going back upHow her pre-surgery fitness level—she was an avid runner who worked out constantly—likely contributed to her eligibility for and recovery from such an invasive procedureThe role of faith and gratitude in her survival: "Every morning I always count my blessings to be still alive"Why she refuses a lung transplant and continues to see Dr. Rice, who calls her a "celebrity" at the clinicHer message to newly diagnosed patients: "It's okay if you have a bad day"—perspective from someone who beat 12-month survival odds by more than 17 yearsWho this episode is for: Patients considering EPP surgery, families weighing aggressive treatment options, long-term survivors navigating life after mesothelioma treatment, and anyone who needs proof that outcomes can exceed the most dire prognoses. The average mesothelioma survival after EPP is 18-31 months. Katherine's 18+ years represents an extraordinary outcome—and her story offers both practical insights about post-surgical recovery and genuine hope for families facing this diagnosis. Resources: Learn about mesothelioma treatment options: https://dandell.com/mesothelioma/Understanding your diagnosis: https://dandell.com/mesothelioma-diagnosis/Compensation for mesothelioma patients: https://dandell.com/mesothelioma-compensation/Meet our patient advocates: https://dandell.com/advocates/MESO: The Mesothelioma Podcast is sponsored by Danziger & De Llano, a nationwide mesothelioma law firm with over 30 years of experience and nearly $2 billion recovered for asbestos victims. For a free consultation, visit https://dandell.com/ MESO: The Mesothelioma Podcast is sponsored by Danziger & De Llano, a nationwide mesothelioma law firm with over 30 years of experience and nearly $2 billion recovered for asbestos victims. For a free consultation, visit Dandell.com.

    14 min

  10. 12/02/2025

    The Longest-Known Survivor of Pleural Mesothelioma: Katherine Keys’ 18-Year Journey (Part 1)

    The median survival for pleural mesothelioma is 18-31 months with treatment—yet Katherine Keys has survived for 18 years, making her the longest-known survivor of this aggressive asbestos-related cancer. In this first episode of a two-part series on MESO: The Mesothelioma Podcast, host Dave Foster—Executive Director of patient advocacy at Danziger & De Llano with 18 years of experience helping mesothelioma families—sits down with Katherine Keys, an 18-year pleural mesothelioma survivor, to discuss her extraordinary journey from initial symptoms through misdiagnosis, surgery, and long-term survivorship. Together, they cover: The early warning signs Katherine experienced—and why her symptoms were initially misdiagnosed before doctors confirmed malignant pleural mesotheliomaWhy she sought out a mesothelioma specialist rather than relying on a general oncologist, and how that decision changed her outcomeThe major lung surgery that removed her cancer—and what recovery and daily life look like 18 years later with one lungThe mindset, family support, and medical team that helped her beat odds that give most patients less than three yearsHer advice for newly diagnosed patients: why acting quickly and finding the right surgeon matters more than anythingWhether you've just received a mesothelioma diagnosis or you're supporting a loved one through treatment decisions, Katherine's story offers proof that outcomes can far exceed expectations with specialized care, early action, and the right team. Part 2 of Katherine's story releases next week. MESO: The Mesothelioma Podcast is sponsored by Danziger & De Llano, a nationwide mesothelioma law firm with over 30 years of experience and nearly $2 billion recovered for asbestos victims. For a free consultation, visit Dandell.com. MESO: The Mesothelioma Podcast is sponsored by Danziger & De Llano, a nationwide mesothelioma law firm with over 30 years of experience and nearly $2 billion recovered for asbestos victims. For a free consultation, visit Dandell.com.

    15 min

  11. 11/24/2025

    Understanding Mesothelioma: First Steps After a Diagnosis

    Only about 3,000 Americans are diagnosed with mesothelioma each year—and the average patient sees three doctors before receiving an accurate diagnosis. Knowing what to do in those critical first weeks can change everything. In the very first episode of MESO: The Mesothelioma Podcast, host Matthew Bertram sits down with Paul Danziger—founding partner of Danziger & De Llano with over 30 years of mesothelioma litigation experience—and Dave Foster, Executive Director of patient advocacy with 18 years helping mesothelioma families, to cover everything families need to know after a mesothelioma diagnosis. Together, they discuss: Why the 20-50 year latency period between asbestos exposure and diagnosis catches most families completely off guard—and what that means for your legal timelineHow specialized treatment centers like MD Anderson, Brigham and Women's Hospital, and Moffitt Cancer Center approach mesothelioma differently than local oncologistsThe critical steps families should take in the first 30 days—from securing medical records to understanding your options for surgery, chemotherapy, and clinical trialsHow patient advocates help families access over $30 billion in asbestos trust funds, VA benefits, and legal compensation simultaneouslyWhat survivors who have beaten the 12-21 month median survival prognosis did differently—and how early action and specialized care made the differenceThe emotional and practical support available to families in the overwhelming days and weeks following diagnosisWho this episode is for: Families who have just received a mesothelioma diagnosis, those researching options for a loved one, and anyone exposed to asbestos who wants to understand the risks. Whether you're navigating a new diagnosis or supporting someone who is, this episode provides the roadmap for what comes next. You're not alone—and this is where to begin. MESO: The Mesothelioma Podcast is sponsored by Danziger & De Llano, a nationwide mesothelioma law firm with over 30 years of experience and nearly $2 billion recovered for asbestos victims. For a free consultation, visit Dandell.com. MESO: The Mesothelioma Podcast is sponsored by Danziger & De Llano, a nationwide mesothelioma law firm with over 30 years of experience and nearly $2 billion recovered for asbestos victims. For a free consultation, visit Dandell.com.

    27 min
  • 11 Episodes

5
out of 5
8 Ratings

About

MESO: The Mesothelioma Podcast is a supportive, medically informed, and deeply human show dedicated to helping families navigate life after a mesothelioma diagnosis. Hosted by patient advocate, Dave Foster, the podcast brings together the voices of doctors, survivors, caregivers, and leading experts to deliver clarity, guidance, and hope when it’s needed most. Sponsored by Danziger & De Llano, one of the nation’s most experienced mesothelioma law firms, the show offers more than legal insight—it provides practical direction, emotional support, and a roadmap for getting the best medical care as quickly as possible. Whether you or a loved one has just been diagnosed or you're searching for trusted information, MESO breaks down the medical, legal, and personal impact of this rare disease in a way that’s easy to understand and compassionate at every step. Every episode delivers meaningful conversations, survivor stories, expert interviews, and actionable next steps so families can make informed decisions with confidence. If you need answers, support, or guidance—you’re in the right place. For more information, visit Danziger & De Llano at Dandell.com.

Information

  • Creator
    MesotheliomaPodcast.com
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    11
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 MESO: The Mesothelioma Podcast
  • Show Website
    MESO: The Mesothelioma Podcast