For some mesothelioma patients, support is the only desired option. This support is called palliative care – physical and emotional care and support aimed at improving the patient’s quality of life during a life-threatening illness.
Minimizing the pain, humiliation and other side effects that can be caused by surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy is an important part of patient support for mesothelioma victims.
Extreme shortness of breath is one symptom that requires significant patient support. Chest drainage followed by pleurodesis (a “talc treatment”) is common as the patient reaches the advanced states of the disease. Therapeutic exposure to preventative radiation along sites of invasive procedures can also engender the need for patient support.
Other areas in which support for mesothelioma patients is required include:
- Pain
- Extreme fatigue
- Dry mouth
- Loss of appetite
- Gastrointestinal upsets
- Skin problems
- Anxiety and depression
Hospice care – either home-based or at a residential facility – is an excellent method of addressing the needs of the physical, emotional, social and spiritual needs of the mesothelioma patient. Trained hospice caregivers can provide pain control, treatment of symptoms, general nursing care, physical therapy, counseling, and family and bereavement services.
Mesothelioma patient support is an integral part of the treatment process, and one that should be planned for and performed in a professional, caring and complete manner.
