Living with mesothelioma can be difficult, but there are proactive steps you can take to improve your quality of life.
“Focusing on nutrition, seeking support, and effectively managing symptoms can enhance your quality of life and help you navigate the challenges of mesothelioma more effectively.”
Research shows that patients who maintain a positive quality of life often have a better mesothelioma prognosis, or overall health outlook.
Learn how you can take control and boost your well-being after a mesothelioma diagnosis.
Palliative Care for Symptom Management
Managing pain, breathlessness, and other symptoms of mesothelioma is a crucial part of feeling better. That’s where palliative care comes in.
Palliative care focuses on providing relief from the symptoms and stress of mesothelioma. Early palliative care for mesothelioma can lead to a 25% improvement in overall quality of life, according to one study published in April 2024.
Palliative care can include:
- Alternative treatments like acupuncture or massage
- Breathing exercises and oxygen therapy
- Medications to prevent nausea after chemotherapy
- Mesothelioma pain management
- Paracentesis to drain excess fluid from the abdomen
- Physical therapy to improve appetite
- Radiation therapy to shrink tumors
- Thoracentesis or pleurodesis to drain fluid from the lungs
You can receive palliative care at any stage of mesothelioma to ease symptoms and discomfort.
Get our Free Mesothelioma Guide to learn more about palliative mesothelioma treatment and improving quality of life.
Diet and Nutrition
Diet and nutrition is fundamental to your overall well-being, especially when fighting mesothelioma.
A study published in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition noted that mesothelioma patients are at a higher risk for malnutrition. Malnutrition can lead to fatigue, irritability, and a weakened immune system, which can severely impact quality of life and make it harder to recover from treatment.
Here are some tips to help you maintain a healthier diet:
- Choose whole grains with high fiber content, such as brown rice or whole wheat bread, to promote digestive health.
- Include a variety of fruits and vegetables in daily meals to ensure you’re getting essential vitamins and minerals.
- Increase your protein intake by including lean meats, fish, eggs, beans, and nuts in your diet.
- Maintain a healthy weight to support your overall health and enhance your body’s ability to cope with treatment.
- Seek the help of a dietitian to get a diet plan that accommodates any allergies or dietary restrictions.
Diet is a key part of your treatment journey, so it’s important to focus on foods that strengthen your body and help you stay resilient.
“Protein can facilitate cell growth and repair, boost the immune system, and help manage treatment-related side effects.”
Physical Activity
Physical activity is not only safe for mesothelioma patients but also highly recommended. Just 15 minutes of light walking can lift your mood and increase your energy levels.
Moving your body can also improve muscle mass, strength, and overall physical well-being while fighting mesothelioma, according to a 2024 report in Current Oncology.
Remember these tips when incorporating exercise into your routine:
- Keep it simple and choose a form of exercise you enjoy.
- Set daily or weekly exercise goals to stay motivated.
- Take breaks or adjust your routine based on your energy levels.
- Try to be kind to yourself on days when exercise isn’t possible.
Remember, you don’t have to navigate this journey alone. If you have questions or need guidance, reach out to our Patient Advocates at (866) 608-8933 to get help tailored to your needs.
Emotional Support
For many patients, connecting with others who share similar experiences through mesothelioma support groups is crucial to maintaining a good quality of life.
While family and loved ones can offer emotional support, they may not fully understand the unique challenges of a mesothelioma diagnosis. This is where finding a community can make all the difference in your mood and overall outlook on life.
“Being diagnosed with mesothelioma is a very lonely experience because it’s so rare. Other patients and people in the mesothelioma community are an extended family that I’ve grown to cherish so much. Because of them, I don’t feel so alone.”
A strong support system can relieve emotional strain and improve your quality of life as you go through treatment.
Specialized Mesothelioma Care
Working with a mesothelioma specialist is one of the most effective ways to enhance your quality of life and potentially extend your life expectancy.
Mesothelioma doctors have expert knowledge and can create a personalized treatment plan for the cancer while prioritizing your overall health.
“Our patients are being cared for by people who are really invested in their well-being, who value quality of life as much as extension of life.”
Use our Free Doctor Match service to connect with a mesothelioma specialist who can give you the best chance of improving your quality of life and overall prognosis.
Get Help Improving Your Quality of Life With Mesothelioma
The team at Mesothelioma Hope understands that this cancer affects more than just your physical health — it impacts every aspect of your life.
We’re committed to standing by you every step of the way, ensuring you have the support to live your best life after a mesothelioma diagnosis.
“I find when patients understand ways to improve their quality of life, they feel more in control of their cancer journey.”
Take the first step toward a better quality of life — call (866) 608-8933 now to speak with one of our helpful Patient Advocates.
