Living with Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is a fatal disease. Currently, only about ten percent of those diagnosed with the disease are still alive five years after being diagnosed. That statistic is an improvement over the mesothelioma survival rate of a few decades ago. The good news is that the one-year survival rate has improved and about 40 percent of patients are still living with mesothelioma a year or more after diagnosis.
Exceptions to the rule
There are instances of a few individuals beating the odds and surviving mesothelioma for ten years or longer. Researchers have not been able to determine the reasons for these exceptions. Mesothelioma doctors have noticed that many longer-term survivors participated in treatments that enhanced their immune systems. Unfortunately, no treatments have been shown to prolong life significantly in mesothelioma patients.
Living with a mesothelioma diagnosis
The statistics are difficult for mesothelioma patients and their families to hear and accept. Mesothelioma patients and their families face an unknown future. It is natural to go into denial and feel helpless.
But knowledge is empowering. Questioning the doctors about the disease and its expected course can help both patient and family in planning treatment, making lifestyle changes, and deciding what to do about finances and quality of life.
Participating in family life, hobbies, and social activities helps make life worth living and is important to getting on with life after the diagnosis. There are things you can do to help you cope and influence how long and how comfortably you will survive, including:
- Discuss your condition fully and frankly with your physicians
- Express your fears and wishes, to your doctors and to your family and friends
- Get emotional support through spiritual groups, online support groups, and counselors
- Consult with a dietitian about foods that can help counteract the effects of your treatments
- Eat smaller portions of nutrient-dense foods at more frequent intervals
- Ask your doctor about increasing protein in your diet
- Keep fluid intake up
- Exercise to the extent your condition permits
- Investigate alternative pain therapies in addition to standard procedures and drugs
- Return to normal daily activities as much as possible