1Research Mesothelioma so that you can make informed decisions about your care. Jot down any questions you have so that you can ask your doctor to thoroughly explain any aspect of the disease or treatment that you don’t understand. Visit the website of the National Cancer Institute[1]to get up-to-date information about Mesothelioma.
2Find a medical facility that specializes in the treatment of Mesothelioma. [2]It’s imperative that you consult with specialists in order to get the best care. Mesothelioma treatment centers are staffed with surgeons, oncologists and other specialists that can outline the best treatment plan for you.
3Create a support network. Your family and friends can help you with everyday problems, such as transportation to your medical appointments. Check to see if there is a cancer support group in your area. If there is none, consider finding one online. [3] A Mesothelioma support group can help you share your concerns about treatment, the effect of the disease on your relationships and worries about your mental and emotional outlook. It’s easier to deal with anything when you know there are others who are trying to handle identical issues.
4Focus on your health. Try not to dwell on the diagnosis or the prognosis. Yes, Mesothelioma is an aggressive cancer with dismal survival rates, but new treatments are being worked on and many people are surviving this form of cancer. Do everything you can, in addition to your doctor’s recommended medical treatment, to live as healthily as you can:
Eat the best, most nutritious foods you can afford. Avoid sugar and processed foods.
Exercise as much as you are comfortable with. Even a short walk around the block is beneficial, not only physically, but mentally and emotionally. Ask your doctor which type of physical exercise would work best for you.
Relieve your stress. Everyone has stress, but people dealing with a life-threatening illness are susceptible to a high degree of mental and emotional stress. In addition to support groups, try meditating several times a day or spend some time working on your favorite hobby. Everything you do to redirect your focus from your illness to more pleasurable activities will help reduce stress.
5Decide on your treatment goals based on your diagnosis. Because Mesothelioma is usually not diagnosed until it is already at a very advanced stage, surgery isn’t always an option. But discuss the issue with your doctor; sometimes surgery can relieve your symptoms even if it can’t completely remove the cancer. Your doctor can outline all the treatment options and you can decide which ones you think will make your life more comfortable. (Some treatments may offer some small improvement, but have adverse side effects—make sure you understand the implications of any treatment program your doctor suggests.)
6Consider participating in clinical trials. There are Mesothelioma clinical trials available; they give you the opportunity to try new types of treatment. A cure is not guaranteed, but if you are in an advanced stage of this type of cancer, you may want to consider this option.
7Acknowledge the reality of your diagnosis. The survival rate is low, but it is not necessarily a death sentence. It’s important that you talk frankly with your family about the prognosis. Help them plan for the future.
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