What to Do After Getting Diagnosed with Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is a rare and serious form of cancer caused by the inhalation of asbestos fibers. If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, it is important to understand the diagnosis and next steps for treatment. This comprehensive guide outlines what to do after getting diagnosed with mesothelioma.
Understanding a Mesothelioma Diagnosis
A mesothelioma diagnosis is based on biopsy results, imaging scans, and lab testing. If a doctor suspects you have mesothelioma, they will likely order a biopsy to collect tissue samples from your lung or pleura (the tissue surrounding your lungs).
Imaging scans may be used to confirm the diagnosis and look for signs of where the cancer is located, how far it has spread, and if there are any other health concerns.
Common imaging scans include chest X-rays, CT scans, PET scans, and ultrasounds. Finally, lab tests can be used to confirm a mesothelioma diagnosis.
Managing Symptoms and Side Effects
As you decide how to move forward with your diagnosis and treatment plan, it is important to manage the side effects and symptoms. This can include everything from pain management to depression.
Pain management may be a necessary part of your treatment plan. It is important to note that many of the treatment options for mesothelioma can cause significant side effects, and some may even be life-threatening. Luckily, medications and other treatment options exist to help manage these side effects and improve quality of life.
Pain management options may include prescription medications, physical therapy, and breathing exercises. It is important to note that each person may respond to treatments differently, so it is important to communicate your symptoms and side effects with your healthcare team so they can help find the best treatments for you.
Exploring Treatment Options
As you move forward with your mesothelioma treatment plan, it is important to understand all of your treatment options. This includes surgery and other medical procedures. It is important to note that mesothelioma treatment options vary depending on the stage and type of cancer, as well as the person. There is no one-size-fits-all approach to mesothelioma treatment, which means that each person will have a unique treatment plan. Surgery may be an option for removing a tumor and/or pleura (the tissue surrounding your lungs). This is usually done when cancer has spread to the pleura and is causing pain.
Additionally, surgery may be used to place a pleural effusion drainage system. Chemotherapy may be used to destroy cancer cells, slow or stop their growth, and relieve symptoms.
Radiation therapy may be used to treat cancer that cannot be removed with surgery, to relieve symptoms and pain, or to prevent the cancer from coming back after surgery.
Finding Support and Connecting with Others
During a mesothelioma diagnosis and treatment journey, it is incredibly important to have support. Reach out to friends, family members, and others in your support system to talk through your diagnosis and treatment plan. You can also find support online in mesothelioma forums and groups. These forums and groups can be great resources for information, peer support, and connecting with others who have been through this journey.
And depending upon how you got mesothelioma, legal action can be taken via the support and expertise of a lawyer who has experience in mesothelioma lawsuits.
Improving Quality of Life
As you navigate your mesothelioma diagnosis, it is important to focus on improving your quality of life. This may mean making changes to your daily habits, lifestyle choices, and even work life.
It is important to talk with your healthcare team about any efforts to improve your quality of life. This may include adjusting your work environment or schedule, using adaptive tools, and/or finding other ways to make your life easier. These changes can help you focus on living your best life with a mesothelioma diagnosis.
Conclusion
A mesothelioma diagnosis is an understandable cause of worry and concern. However, use the above tips to help you cope and move forward in the best way possible.
