Living with Mesothelioma

Being diagnosed with a chronic and life-threatening disease such as mesothelioma can be devastating at first. People commonly experience feelings of shock, denial, anger and fear when they first learn of their diagnosis. Ultimately, many come to terms with their mortality and the fear that many of us have of death and the unknown. However, as they learn about mesothelioma and the advanced mesothelioma treatments and therapies available, many of these patients make a shift from focusing on death to thinking about life with a chronic medical condition. The psychological and physical impacts of cancer and how one responds to those challenges can play an important part in a patient's recovery and full participation in life.

Malignant Mesothelioma If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, one of the best actions you can take is to learn as much as possible about your condition. As you think of questions about mesothelioma and its treatment, write them down and take them to your doctor. With any type of chronic condition and serious medical diagnosis, it is easy to be frightened, because you do not know what the future holds for you. Fear can be paralyzing, but knowledge can be empowering. You may have a chronic disease, but the more you know about it as well as its treatment options and side effects, the more power you have to be proactive in dealing with your malignant mesothelioma. With understanding comes the freedom to choose the options that will work best for you and your particular cancer. Having that measure of control goes a long way in fully living your life.

Just as you are learning about and coping with your mesothelioma diagnosis, so too are members of your family, as well as your friends and co-workers. Speaking openly to these important people in your life can not only help you express your feelings and ask for help when needed, it can also allow them to understand what you are going through. It gives them the opportunity to express their feelings and find out how they can best continue to be a vital part of your life.

Besides your family and friends, there are other places to find emotional support as you work through treatment and recovery. Mesothelioma support groups are available, and help may also be provided through spiritual groups, online support groups, and counselors. There are many options available, so you can select your preference, whether it is sharing with groups of like-minded individuals or by simply talking to a counselor. Online groups offer the advantage of connecting with support personnel any time of the day or night, anywhere you have Internet access.

Asbestos Cancer All people, including those diagnosed with all forms of asbestos cancer, will feel better when they choose healthy foods to eat. Some treatment options have side effects such as nausea or a loss of the sense of taste and/or smell. Others can cause weight gain. However, there are some tips that can help you in maintaining your weight. Your doctor can refer you to a dietitian who can provide you with the information you need in dealing with some of the nutritional side effects of treatment.

Eating smaller portions of nutrient-dense foods at more frequent intervals can help you get the nutrients you need more effectively than following the typical schedule of three larger meals a day. Diets for cancer patients often recommend an increase in protein in the diet. When you have good days, you should eat well in order to compensate for days when you have less of an appetite. Some individuals find that their appetite is greater in the morning; if you are in this category, take advantage of this and have your substantial meal of the day at that time. On days when you are less hungry, keep your fluid intake up. Liquid foods, such as liquid meal replacement drinks, or soft foods like yogurt or mashed potatoes might be a better option on those days. The good news is that after you have completed your treatments, your appetite often returns to normal.

Exercise also plays a helpful part in how you feel. Years ago, doctors thought that rest was the best course for cancer patients. New research suggests that patients respond better to their treatments, increase their energy levels, improve emotional stability and self-image and even live longer when they engage in physical activity during their treatment. Of course, if you have not been exercising regularly in the past, you should start slowly and make sure you are getting enough rest to compensate for exertion. Taking an easy walk can help improve your appetite, and can have the side benefit of reducing fatigue and depression—which can also improve your appetite.

Not every person with cancer has pain, but for those who do there are many treatment options available. There are medications and non-drug treatments available to relieve pain, ranging from over-the-counter pain relievers to prescription medications, as well as relaxation, biofeedback, imagery, distraction, hypnosis, and acupuncture, among others. By using non-drug treatments, some people are able to reduce the amount of pain medication they take. In either case, the key to gaining control of the pain is to not let it become severe. By noticing when and where in your body you feel pain and communicating this to your care team, you can fine-tune your pain management so that you can feel better and enjoy the normal activities of daily living more fully.

Lung Cancer Because there are so many new feelings and treatments that you will be experiencing as a result of your cancer, whether it is lung cancer, mesothelioma, or another form of cancer, you will want to return to normal daily activities as soon as you feel comfortable doing so. Participating in work, hobbies, and social activities are a part of what make life worth living, and can form a vital part of your cancer treatment as well.

It is important that people with cancer do not always see themselves as "cancer patients," but as "people," and focus on a full range of activities to engage their minds rather than on their "problem." Additional benefits of pursuing everyday activities include taking your mind off pain, and helping you to relax, which can relieve stress that contributes to pain. Returning to these activities can also help you gain control once again in your life while providing a boost to your self-esteem. Don't forget to take some time out for fun activities as well. Fun moments spent enjoying an activity with family or friends will help you live your life to its fullest extent.