Mesothelioma is a cancer most often caused by exposure to asbestos. Becauses it’s one of the rarer forms of cancer, people don’t know much about it. To help you understand the disease, here are three things you should know about mesothelioma.
- You can fight it
While it’s true that there is no cure for the disease, there is still hope. Mesothelioma is extremely aggressive, but some people have survived despite their diagnosis. Some have even lived up to 15 years with the disease. One survivor ran a triathlon, while another made it to his grandchild’s wedding. It’s possible for you to live with the disease and still have an active, fulfilling life.
One of the keys to fighting it is a positive outlook. If you can be optimistic and think good thoughts, you have a better chance at fighting it. And another important factor is your care. You need a doctor who has experience treating this rare disease. The more experience a doctor has, the better. Do your research and find one who has a track record of dealing patients with mesothelioma. They may be able to help you overcome it. No matter what, don’t give up. There’s hope for a bright future.
- There are alternate treatment options
If your doctor gives you only one treatment plan, you don’t have to follow it. There may be other treatments out there that are better suited to you. For example, if a treatment would decrease your quality of life too much, go for a second opinion. Traditional treatments may not be what you’re looking for. And that’s fine. You can always look into experimental treatments and alternative therapies. There may be a clinical trial that you can apply for. If you’re lucky, you may get in on a cutting-edge treatment.
Some people take a holistic approach to dealing with mesothelioma. While they listen to a doctor’s advice and take some of that advice, they also use holistic treatments. Diet has a major impact on how you feel. Eating right won’t cure cancer, but it may limit its side effects. It can boost your immune system and make it better equipped to fight cancer. Make a food journal of what you eat and how you feel when you eat it. This will help you determine a great diet plan. Taking on mesothelioma isn’t easy, but a good diet can make it easier.
Before you settle on one treatment, make sure you know your options. This can make sure you get the treatment you want and need. Learn about some treatment options at www.mesotheliomahelp.org/.
- Genetics play a role in the disease
Some people can be exposed to asbestos and not get mesothelioma. That’s because some people have a genetic predisposition to the disease. If you have a predisposition for the disease, brief exposure can cause you to develop it. However, some people can be exposed for their whole life and never get it. It all comes down to genetics. This does give hope that further research can come up with a cure.