Mesothelioma Treatment-Who Are the Members of Your Health Care Team?

Mesothelioma cancer is a very challenging diagnosis to cope with, it puts you and your loved ones under a lot of emotional stress. To help you cope and manage this cancer are usually a group of professionals that constitute most times what you can refer to as your health team. You have to be conversant with the different members of your health team and the different roles they all perform. These are different members of your health team:

The Patient
Your role as the patient is the most important member of the team. You have to be a good consumer by gathering information and asking questions. Following are some easy ways to make the most of your appointment times with other members of your medical team:

•Once you know the day and time of your appointment, start a list of questions you want to ask that particular team member. These questions could be about mesothelioma itself, about test results or about treatments you are undergoing or considering. It is also a good idea to write down any symptoms you may be experiencing so that they can be addressed at this time. If there is something you don’t completely understand, ask to have it explained in simpler terms. Above all, don’t be embarrassed to ask questions or request clarifications.

•If possible, take along another person who can take notes, ask additional questions or record your appointment for later review. Sometimes it can be helpful to return home and play back what was discussed.

•Ask for written material or brochures that can help in making treatment or care decisions . These might include information on nutrition, pain management, support groups or hospice or home care.
Other than your doctors, who could include your primary care doctor, surgeons, medical oncologists, and/or radiation oncologists, you will probably have the most contact with your nursing staff and your social worker. These medical professionals can be your best source of practical assistance when trying to navigate the waters of a mesothelioma diagnosis.

Doctors
Mesothelioma doctors are usually medical specialists of different fields of medicine ,they include respiratory physicians, thoracic surgeons, oncologists, radiotherapists, and pathologists. They all play different roles in the management of mesothelioma, some are involved more in laboratory diagnosis and work{pathologists} while others are involved in other aspects of treatment.

Nurses

All specialized cancer treatment facilities have specially trained nurses who are familiar with implementing the cancer treatment plan initialized by your doctor, and are trained to administer medication, monitor side effects and conduct routine tests. Whether you are a hospital inpatient or outpatient, you can benefit greatly from developing a strong working relationship with your nursing staff.
You may also request home visits by a registered nurse, if necessary. If approved by your doctor, these visits may be covered under insurance. Be sure to check with your individual insurance provider for details.

Social Workers

Social workers are a good starting point for newly diagnosed patients who are overwhelmed by their diagnosis and the many things that have to be accomplished and decided.
There are different types of social workers:
•Oncology social workers specialize in assisting those diagnosed with cancer. Most cancer treatment facilities have certified oncology social workers on staff.

•Clinical social workers specialize in providing services aimed at family therapy and counseling, or counseling for those coping with a serious illness.

•Hospital social workers can help find resources in your local area such as home care, transportation services or support groups, and can also help you understand your diagnosis, your treatments and other care options.

Psychiatrists and Psychologists

Because of the emotional stress experienced by most mesothelioma patients and their families, they might need the help of someone trained to deal with depression, anxiety or inability to cope. Don’t be afraid to ask for this type of help for yourself or your loved one , good emotional health is essential to quality of life.

•Psychiatrists are medical doctors who specialize in providing psychotherapy and other general psychological services to their patients. They are licensed to prescribe medications such as antidepressants and sleep aids.

•Psychologists can provide many of the same services as a psychiatrist such as counseling for depression, anxiety, etc.They are not doctors and they are not licensed to prescribe medications, they can only offer psychotherapy.

Nutritionists and Dietitians

Nutrition is another area that can greatly affect quality of life. Many patients lose weight because of anxiety associated with the diagnostic process, subsequent treatments or the natural progression of mesothelioma. Working with a nutritionist or dietitian as soon after diagnosis as possible is one of the most important benefits you can obtain from your health care team.

These professionals can help you be sure you receive enough calories, vitamins and protein to maintain a healthy weight, as well as tailoring a program for those with concurrent health problems such as diabetes or high cholesterol. They can also suggest ways to minimize the side effects of chemotherapy or other aggressive treatment.
Most local hospitals have registered dietitians on staff, or you can ask your doctor to recommend someone in your area. As with other health care needs, check to see whether these services are covered under your insurance. If they are not, there may be community-based services available in your area at no cost.

Hospice Care

•Hospice care is palliative in nature, and provides comfort care by helping to control a patient’s physical symptoms as well as offering emotional and spiritual support. Although in most cases, care is provided at home, there are also hospice facilities that provide full-time care in a hospital setting. You can discuss the benefits of hospice with your doctor, nurse or social worker.

Home Care Agencies

•Home care provides assistance in the home with daily activities such as bathing, meal preparation or household chores. These services are usually provided by a home health aide, and may or may not be under the supervision of a nurse. Ask your doctor, nurse or social worker for Home Health Care Agencies in your area.