The prognosis for mesothelioma is dire, but you are not powerless against this disease. Ongoing advances across many disciplines offer reason for hope, and you can take proactive steps to beat the odds and extend your life.
More oncologists than ever before specialize in mesothelioma treatments. Cancer centers around the world push the boundaries of medicine in their search for a cure, and they create innovative treatments based on cutting-edge technologies in the process. At the same time, our culture embraces a rich diversity of ways every person can improve his or her own quality of life.
Some of the best ways you can prolong your life expectancy as a mesothelioma patient includes finding a doctor or cancer center that is accustomed to treating the disease, searching for ways to reduce the stress in your life, taking better care of your body and remembering to stay positive.
Seek Specialized Care
Because mesothelioma is such a rare disease, most family doctors and even most oncologists are not familiar with how to diagnose and treat it.
Every patient is different, and every cancer is different, so the key to life-extending medical care is to have a team of experienced specialists determine the best treatment options for you. Specialists with the support of a dedicated cancer center can also give you access to experimental treatments through clinical trials.
Researchers are constantly working on new and improved methods to fight mesothelioma, but these technologies have not yet been disseminated to all hospitals and cancer clinics. Your best hope is to use the free resources available online to find the professionals who can best serve you.
Reduce Stress
Quality of life influences quantity of life — in other words, happy people live longer than people suffering from chronic stress.
A number of therapies can complement traditional medical treatments, such as acupuncture, massage and homeopathy. Yoga, meditation, and similar practices can enhance your enjoyment of life and improve your mind-body connection.
Find what works for you, whether it’s an esoteric mysticism or something as simple as taking a regular nature walk. As long as your doctor can confirm it won’t interfere with your medical treatment, whatever reduces your stress or alleviates your pain can also extend your life.
Take Care of Your Body
In large part, a patient’s overall health determines how well he or she will respond to treatment.
A balanced, nutritious diet always improves life expectancy. Research what foods slow cancer progression and support treatments. Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
Exercise is important, and you don’t have to get exhausted or sore to benefit from it. If you have joint pain or limited mobility, try walking, stretching, riding a stationary bike or swimming. Make the effort every day to get up and move, and you will live a longer and more energetic life.
Stay Positive
The average survival rates for mesothelioma patients may dishearten you, but you must always remember that statistics are not destiny. Your life and your body are unique, and you must take ownership of how you think and how you feel.
Stay engaged with your life, the people around you and the activities you care about. As important as diet, exercise and medical care are to longevity, there is no substitute for living with a sense of purpose.
Look to your fellow mesothelioma patients for support and inspiration. Stories abound of survivors who have lived many years past their initial prognosis. By taking the right steps, you can join them.
Contributed by Asbestos.com
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