While mesothelioma is an aggressive cancer, it is possible to live a normal life after a diagnosis. Many patients have survived for years and been able to continue their day-to-day activities with the right treatment.
“I’m doing very well, as a matter of fact. I play golf twice a week. I go hang out with my friends when they’re around. Yeah, I’m pretty well back to normal.”
Find out what life with mesothelioma is like and how you can get the support you need to live your typical life with this cancer.
What Daily Life Looks Like With Mesothelioma
Living with mesothelioma may involve checking in on how you’re feeling every day. This can mean being mindful of common symptoms, such as a cough or shortness of breath, and not overexerting yourself.
As you go through treatment, you may start easing some of your mesothelioma symptoms. However, you might also have to manage treatment-related side effects, like fatigue and nausea from chemotherapy.
Thankfully, these symptoms and side effects can be managed with the help of your doctor and medical team. With the right care plan, you can focus on the things that matter most to you, like spending time with loved ones.
“Patients assume when they have the disease, that they can’t survive and can’t live with the disease, even though many of our patients are walking around living relatively normal lives.”
Learn more about symptoms, treatment, and what to expect throughout your journey with this cancer in our Free Mesothelioma Guide.
How to Manage Living With Mesothelioma
There are so many ways to get support as you manage life after a mesothelioma diagnosis and work toward resuming your normal life. Find out more below.
Get Personalized Treatment
Undergoing mesothelioma treatment as soon as possible after a diagnosis is the most important step to help you get back to your everyday life.
Common treatment options for mesothelioma include:
- Chemotherapy
- Immunotherapy
- Radiation therapy
- Surgery
It’s also important to remember that a treatment approach that might have worked well for one patient might not be the best option for you. For this reason, it’s important to get treatment that is best for your type and stage of mesothelioma.
“I don’t think that one size fits all for mesothelioma treatment. We’re in the days of personalized medicine, so you have to tailor it to the patient.”
To get personalized treatment that meets your needs and wants, it’s important to work with experienced mesothelioma doctors. They are dedicated to ensuring you get the best possible results so you can keep fighting this cancer.
Pursue Mesothelioma Compensation
Treating mesothelioma can be expensive, sometimes exceeding $500,000. This doesn’t account for related expenses, like travel to doctor appointments and overnight lodging.
Thankfully, you can seek financial compensation from multiple sources:
- Asbestos trust funds: These funds were set up by bankrupt asbestos companies to compensate those who developed illnesses linked to their products. There is an estimated $30 billion still available in asbestos trusts today.
- Mesothelioma lawsuits: Filed against asbestos product manufacturers, these lawsuits typically recover $1.1 million to $1.4 million for families affected by mesothelioma.
- VA benefits: Asbestos was widely used in the U.S. military prior to the 1980s, leading many veterans to develop this cancer after their service. As of 2024, veterans with mesothelioma may receive up to nearly $4,000 in monthly disability from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
While it can feel overwhelming to seek compensation, help is available so you can afford treatment and other expenses and have peace of mind.
“The compensation also contributed to my positivity. I relaxed a little more. I wasn’t so uptight about how I’m going to pay for this or that. And it’s allowed me to stay with my wife Jan.”
Our team can help you seek the financial assistance you need. Call (866) 608-8933 now to connect with a Patient Advocate.
Take Care of Your Physical and Emotional Health
Many of the mesothelioma survivors we’ve helped emphasize the importance of holistic wellness, which takes into account nutrition, physical activity, and social and emotional support.
As part of your daily self-care routine, consider exploring:
- Diet and nutrition changes to fuel your body through treatment and recovery
- Exercises like yoga, mindfulness, and gentle movement to keep your body and mind healthy
- Hobbies that bring you joy and allow you to engage with others
- Mesothelioma support groups or other social and emotional wellness groups to help you feel less alone and connect with those who have experienced similar things
“I remain in awe of what the human body can endure and still feel ‘normal.’ My body might look and feel different, but I keep going. And I continue to enjoy travel, music, teaching, and writing.”
Always remember that positivity and taking care of yourself can only have a positive impact on your mesothelioma journey.
Get Help Living Your Best Life With Mesothelioma
Battling mesothelioma can be overwhelming, but you are never alone. Mesothelioma Hope is here to help you and your family live a normal life despite this diagnosis.
Our Patient Advocates are standing by to help you access the personalized treatment, financial assistance, and supportive care you need.
Call (866) 608-8933 now to talk with us or get a Free Mesothelioma Guide for help navigating your diagnosis.
