People compare a cancer diagnosis with receiving “demoralizing news” and become dissatisfied about the prospect of leading a healthier lifestyle. But that shouldn’t be the case. It’s estimated that 3,000 people annually are diagnosed with the rare form of cancer caused by asbestos, i.e., mesothelioma. It’s highly common among males and diagnosed by doctors when the patient is usually in their 60s or 70s. It brings the victim’s life expectancy to only 12-21 months after the initial diagnosis.
So, what to do when you’ve been diagnosed with this cancer? There’s no need to lose hope and discard the intention to retain your mental and physical well-being after becoming a mesothelioma patient. Experts have suggested some methods to maintain your health with this cancer.
Tips to stay healthy post-mesothelioma diagnosis
Experts have estimated that some 1.9 million people in the United States will be diagnosed with cancer in 2021 alone. Several factors, including asbestos exposure, cause this disease. It’s stated that over 100 million Americans have been exposed to asbestos during their lifetimes. Asbestos constitutes a fire-resistant and naturally-occurring material used in the construction industry in the 20th century before people realized its destructive influence on people’s health. For instance, it can damage a person’s mesothelial cells and turn them cancerous. Nonetheless, experts have proposed some methods to alleviate a mesothelioma patient’s symptoms so they may spend their days in comfort.
Here’s what you can do:
- Consider treatment options
Fortunately, several life-extending treatment options are available for mesothelioma patients, such as radiation and therapy. But what if the patients can’t afford them? In such scenarios, the affected party can seek financial compensation and other benefits by holding the negligent party accountable.
Therefore, it’s viable to contact attorneys and receive mesothelioma compensation by bringing a lawsuit against the producers of asbestos-based products. As a result, patients get compensation if they were exposed to asbestos by the negligence of these companies.
- Eat proper meals
Experts have offered some dietary proposals for cancer patients as well. For instance, you shouldn’t consume three large meals; instead, replace them with 5-6 light meals daily. Also, ensure you’re eating nutritious provisions, including eggs, salmon, and yogurt.
Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water. You can also drink fruit/vegetable juices and try colder things such as crackers/sandwiches to enjoy your meals better.
- Remain physically active
It’s imperative to remain physically active to reduce fatigue and regulate your weight. Experts have found that exercise stimulates the release of endorphins/serotonin from your brain that cause feelings of happiness. In other words, physical activity keeps you pleased and relaxed.
Therefore, it’s beneficial for cancer patients to engage in short bouts of physical activity by walking and stretching gently. It’ll help you overcome the symptoms of mesothelioma and become stronger against this disease.
- Stop drinking/smoking
Unfortunately, 50% of smoking-cancer survivors don’t quit smoking. Several mesothelioma patients believe that smoking/drinking won’t hurt them anymore. However, there are benefits of abstinence even after a cancer diagnosis. Your heart rate and blood pressure remain regulated. At the same time, you’re also immune from the risk of contracting another chronic ailment such as heart disease. Your lungs work fine, and you retain your health during mesothelioma.
So, stay away from smoking and drinking to maintain your health.
- Find a health advocate
Cancer patients shouldn’t forget to self-advocate for their mesothelioma requirements. We suggest finding someone to advocate on your behalf as well. Therefore, reach out to advocates so they may coordinate appointments on your behalf and monitor your symptoms effectively. These people can help you overcome the symptoms of mesothelioma properly and remain healthy during this disease.
More importantly, self-care becomes easier when you’re surrounded by trusted family members and friends who support you.
- Join support groups
You can find several support groups where you can find solace. These support groups allow you to communicate with like-minded individuals who share their experiences with you. They help you understand the challenges of living with mesothelioma and different strategies to fight it.
On the brighter side, when you participate in these support groups, you don’t feel lonely anymore. Today, these support groups are also available through digital platforms.
- Reduce your stress
Chronic ailments such as mesothelioma cause people stress and may even lead to depression. Some studies have indicated that 15-25 percent of cancer patients also suffer from depression after their diagnosis. However, stress can further deteriorate mesothelioma and wreak havoc on your body as well as your mind. So, cancer patients must engage in stress-reduction exercises to identify triggers and overcome them effectively. For instance, practice breathing exercises and don’t overburden yourself.
- Manage your pain
Several cancer patients can’t manage their suffering adequately. Experts have identified pain as one of the earliest symptoms of mesothelioma. Nonetheless, you can enhance the quality of your life by lessening the pain. How is it possible? We have strategies such as mindfulness and acupuncture that help patients diminish their pain. Several clinical/natural pain-relief methods include nerve blocks, epidurals, and stress-reduction therapies (yoga or massage).
- Get spiritual counseling
If you’re religious enough, you can get some spiritual counseling for cleansing your soul and becoming emotionally stronger. We suggest soul-healing exercises to change your lifestyle and gain some spiritual strength during this illness. It’s like those myriads of spiritual exercises, including Reiki, healing touch, and mindfulness, practiced by people worldwide. These practices enable you to achieve inner peace.
It’s a viable way to retain your mental health while suffering from cancer.
Conclusion
We’ve discussed how 3,000+ Americans receive a mesothelioma diagnosis annually. However, it doesn’t mean cancer patients can’t boost their mental/physical well-being and thrive while fighting diseases as dreadful as mesothelioma. So, what are some tips for mesothelioma patients to stay healthy? They must consume nutritious meals, remain hydrated, and exercise moderately to preserve their energy. We also advise cancer patients to join support groups and engage in meditation to hone their spiritual health. A mesothelioma patient shouldn’t neglect the importance of enhancing their health literacy, curbing their stress, and managing their pain. These tips can help patients conquer the symptoms of mesothelioma.
