How to Manage Symptoms and Improve Quality of Life for Mesothelioma Patients
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A mesothelioma diagnosis brings significant challenges for patients and their loved ones. Daily life often revolves around doctor visits, treatments, and recovery. Patients may face pain and the difficulty of losing some independence, while family, friends, and caregivers work hard to adjust and offer as much support and care as possible.
Exploring complementary therapies, adopting a healthy diet, and participating in support groups can play a meaningful role in improving the outlook for mesothelioma. Here is how to manage symptoms.
Consult Your Healthcare Team
When starting treatment, keep your healthcare team informed about any side effects you experience. Sharing this information allows them to help you manage these symptoms effectively rather than enduring discomfort unnecessarily. Even minor side effects can disrupt your daily life. Being open and honest about what you’re experiencing is key. Your team can work with you to find solutions. It may be helpful to:
- Track your symptoms
- Note when they occur
- How long they last
- Any factors that influence them
For instance, you can observe patterns such as when side effects arise after chemotherapy or whether they occur at specific times of the day. Additionally, communicate how these symptoms impact your daily routine, like difficulty managing tasks due to joint pain. This collaboration ensures your treatment is as comfortable and manageable as possible.
Palliative Treatments
Managing epithelioid mesothelioma presents significant challenges due to its proximity to the heart. A procedure called pericardiocentesis can drain excess fluid from around the heart, reducing both pressure and discomfort.
Chemotherapy may also provide symptom relief, although radiation therapy is not effective for this condition. Another option, known as a pericardiectomy, involves removing part or all of the pericardium, which can help alleviate pressure on the heart. This approach not only eases discomfort but can also address potential risks associated with this rare form of mesothelioma.
Use a Cooling Cap
Some chemotherapy drugs affect the cells in your hair follicles. This thins hair or complete hair loss. If your treatment includes medications that may cause this side effect, discuss the option of a cooling cap with your cancer team.
Cooling caps work by reducing blood flow to the scalp. This happens through the constriction of blood vessels. This may limit the amount of chemotherapy drugs reaching the hair follicles, as noted by the Mayo Clinic.
Additionally, you can take gentle care of your hair to minimize loss during treatment. Opt for a wide-tooth comb instead of a brush, avoid tight hairstyles or excessive heat styling, and give chemical treatments a pause to keep your hair as healthy as possible.
Interventional Procedures
Interventional procedures offer a less invasive alternative to surgery and can be effective in improving quality of life and reducing pain. Procedures like thoracentesis and pericardiocentesis involve draining excess fluid from the chest or precordial area, providing relief from discomfort and aiding in better breathing.
While these methods are considered invasive, they avoid the extensive cutting and tissue removal associated with surgery and come with their own set of risks and benefits. The choice between surgery and interventional procedures depends on several factors, including the patient’s overall health, the progression of the disease, and the symptoms being treated.
Endnote
Managing life with Mesothelioma and its side effects calls for a comprehensive approach that addresses physical, emotional, and holistic elements of care. By gaining knowledge, seeking support, and relying on professional guidance, individuals can improve their quality of life and sustain a positive mindset throughout their cancer experience.
