Mesothelioma Info-You Need to Know the Basic Facts{part 2}

Will it spread to other parts of my body?

This type of cancer is slow to spread to other organs at distant places. Mesothelioma spreads slowly outwards from its starting place, along the lining of the chest or abdominal wall, and problems experienced are usually confined to that locality and areas in close contact.

Will I have any pain? If so how can it be
managed?

Because of the nature and the closeness of the tumor to the chest wall, some people with mesothelioma have aches and pains even before the diagnosis, whilst others have few problems with pain. It is important to realize that, if you are one of the unfortunate ones with early pain, this is not necessarily related to the extent of your disease - but more to do with
where the mesothelioma is situated. The pleural area is very well supplied with nerve endings which can easily be irritated or compressed by the tumor.

To maintain the quality of your life it is very important to be sure that you obtain adequate help with pain control if this is a problem for you. It is very rare for pain to be out of control and drugs are readily available which need to be given at the correct level and combination for the individual.
You can ask for specialist help if you are having difficulties with pain. Hospice and Nurses are available in most areas and your GP or hospital consultant can request help from them for you.

How can I help myself to stay as well as
possible?

There is quite a lot you can do.

You can help yourself by maintaining your general health as much as possible i.e. a good balanced diet, preferably high calorie and rich in protein. If your appetite is not good, it may be beneficial to supplement your diet with specially balanced drinks which can be prescribed by your GP - or ask to see your hospital or community dietitian for advice.

Exercise is essential to maintain good muscle tone. If your energy level is low you can still do passive exercises of legs and ankles whilst sitting down.

If you are lacking in energy or get breathless on exertion, save your energy for the things you really want to do; make life as easy and convenient as you possibly can - and don’t be too proud to accept help to achieve this (other people like to feel needed and useful).

Complementary therapies such as relaxation, massage and aromatherapy
may be helpful in dealing with stress and anxiety.

What help is available if I need it?
Support is available from your GP and consultant. Many hospitals now have Lung Nurse Specialists or Macmillan Nurses who you may meet when the diagnosis is first made. Nursing help is available in the community and your local Community Nursing Sister should possibly be your first point of contact - preferably soon after the diagnosis. She can
give ongoing support and can arrange practical help as needed.

Domestic help, adaptations to your house and loan equipment e.g. bathing aids can be provided via your local Social Services. They can also help with day-to-day living problems e.g. washing, dressing and cooking. These services are ‘means tested’ so it is important to claim benefits

Who can I talk to?
Many people get emotional help from those friends and relatives closest to them. This, however, may not be enough and carers also, may feel the need for some support. Professional help and support is available in many areas and your GP or Community Nurse may be the best people to advise you about what is available locally.

You can also see with a minister to counsel and help you. Children and young people within your family must be informed about what is happening too. Don’t feel they need to be protected and be as open and honest with them as their age allows. Their fear of what they imagine is often much worse than reality.

Please remember - ‘Coping’ does not mean the same as managing alone -and people often want to help, even if it’s just by listening to your worries or doing errands for you. Haven’t you ever felt good because you helped someone when they needed it? Allow those around you to feel good too. We all need someone to lean on at one time or the other.