Relax: Each person's
experience with malignant mesothelioma is unique, but it is
certain that once one is diagnosed with malignant mesothelioma,
life is forever altered. Just as each person's mesothelioma
treatment is individualized, so is the coping strategy he or
she will develop. Everyone can, however, improve their energy
level and promote healthy cell growth by getting adequate rest
and relaxation, good nutrition, some exercise and some fun!
Many will want to review their priorities and reduce undesirable
activities in light of what is really important in their life.
To the extent possible, one must take it one day at a time,
avoiding the stress that comes with trying to organize and plan
in the face of uncertainty. The Mayo Clinic recommends the following
for all cancer patients:
- Learn relaxation techniques
- Share your feelings honestly
with family, friends, a spiritual advisor or a counselor
- Keep a journal to help organize
your thoughts
- When faced with a difficult decision,
list pros and cons for each choice
- Find a source of spiritual strength
- Pray or meditate
- Find time to be alone
- Go for walks
- Remain involved with work and
leisure activities to the extent possible
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Relate: When diagnosed with a rare
disease such as malignant mesothelioma, it is easy to slip into
thinking that no one else understands. It is normal to grieve
when you have lost something-be it health, energy, strength,
hair or even hope. You may feel sad, lonely, fearful or angry.
These are the times it is most important to resist any temptation
to isolate. Talking to someone about your feelings, frustrations
and concerns can help. Sharing with others, especially those
similarly diagnosed, can prove a source of strength for both
of you. If you have access to the internet, there are "chat
rooms" where you can talk to other mesothelioma patients
across the globe. You can also find support groups within your
community that might meet near your home, or perhaps at the
hospital where you are being treated.
Of course, if you are feeling in crisis and
think you need to speak with a professional to deal with all
of the changes and sudden stress, please tell your nurse.
Find
a Mesothelioma Chatroom or Forum to talk with others
Restoration: The physical and psychological
strain of malignant mesothelioma can be severe. To top it
off, treatments meant to heal often cause unexpected and irritating
side effects. It is therefore important to gather as much
information as you can about how malignant mesothelioma progresses
as a disease, what side effects to expect from the treatment
you select and how to minimize them, how you can help your
body fight infection, and how you can keep your mind strong.
Nutrition
for the Mesothelioma Patient
Side
Effects of Mesothelioma Treatments
Legal Services that can help Mesothelioma Patients with Financial Claims
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