Living with pleural mesothelioma

Life with a mesothelioma diagnosis can present many challenges. Take some time to adjust to the physical and emotional changes, and establish a daily routine that suits you and the symptoms you’re coping with. You are likely to feel a range of emotions about having mesothelioma, including fear, sadness, anxiety, anger, frustration, and loss and grief.

Because mesothelioma is often diagnosed at an advanced stage, treatment may be ongoing and it may be hard to accept that life won’t return to normal. Cancer Council 13 11 20 can help you connect with other people with a similar diagnosis, and provide you with information about managing the emotional and practical impacts.

For more this, see Emotions and cancer, and information about compensation claims for asbestos exposure.

• Dealing with feelings of sadness
• Looking after yourself
• Eating well
• Staying active
• Complementary therapies
• Work and money
• Relationships
• Sexuality
• Contraception and fertility
• Ongoing management

Dealing with feelings of sadness

If you have continued feelings of sadness, have trouble getting up in the morning or have lost motivation to do things that previously gave you pleasure, you may be experiencing depression. This is quite common among people who have had cancer.

Talk to your GP, as counselling or medicine – even for a short time – may help. Some people can get a Medicare rebate for sessions with a psychologist. Ask your doctor if you are eligible. Cancer Council may also run a counselling program in your area.

For information about coping with depression and anxiety, call Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636 or visit their website. For 24-hour crisis support, call Lifeline 13 11 14 or visit their website.

Looking after yourself

Dealing with cancer can cause physical and emotional strain, so  it’s important to look after your wellbeing. Cancer Council has free booklets and programs to help you during and after treatment. To find out more, call 13 11 20, or explore our website.

Eating well

Healthy food can help you cope with treatment and side effects. A dietitian can explain how to manage any special dietary needs or eating problems and choose the best foods for your situation.

For more on this, see Nutrition and cancer.

Staying active 

Physical activity can reduce tiredness, improve circulation and lift mood. The right exercise for you depends on what you are used to, how you feel, and your doctor’s advice.

For more on this, see Exercise after a cancer diagnosis.

Complementary therapies 

Complementary therapies are designed to be used alongside conventional medical treatments. Therapies such as massage, relaxation and acupuncture can increase your sense of control, decrease stress and anxiety, and improve your mood. Let your doctor know about any therapies you are using or thinking about trying, as some may not be safe or evidence-based.

For more on this, see Complementary therapies.

Work and money

Cancer can change your financial situation, especially if you have extra medical expenses or need to stop working. Getting professional financial advice and talking to your employer can give you peace of mind. You can also check with a social worker or Cancer Council whether any financial assistance is available to you.

For more on this, see Cancer and your finances and Cancer, work and you.

Relationships

Having cancer can affect your relationships with family, friends and colleagues in different ways. Cancer is stressful, tiring and upsetting, and this may strain relationships. It may also result in positive changes to your values, priorities or outlook on life. Give yourself time to adjust to what’s happening, and do the same for those around you. It may help to discuss your feelings with each other.

For more on this, see Emotions and cancer.

Sexuality

Cancer can affect your sexuality in physical and emotional ways. The impact of these changes depends on many factors, such as treatment and side effects, your self-confidence, and if you have a partner. Although sexual intercourse may not always be possible, closeness and sharing can still be part of your relationship.

For more on this, see Sexuality, intimacy and cancer.

Contraception and fertility 

If you can have sex, you may need to use certain types of contraception to protect your partner or avoid pregnancy for a time. Your doctor will explain what precautions to take. They will also tell you if treatment will affect your fertility permanently or temporarily. If having children is important to you, talk to your doctor before starting treatment.

For more on this, see Fertility and cancer.

Ongoing management

As management of symptoms and treatment for mesothelioma are likely to be ongoing, you will have regular check-ups to monitor your health. Everyone is different, so your doctor will decide how often you need check-ups, but it’s usually every 6–8 weeks.

During check-up appointments, your doctor will do a physical examination and may also arrange a CT scan to see how active the mesothelioma is. What other tests you have, and who you see and where, will depend on your health and the type of treatment you’ve had. At your check-ups, you will also be able to discuss how you’re feeling and mention any concerns you may have.

If you live a long way from the hospital or treatment centre, you may be able to arrange for some of the tests to be done by your GP or the specialist who referred you for major treatment.

Between appointments, if you notice any change in your symptoms or you experience side effects from treatment, you should contact your doctor as soon as possible. You don’t have to wait until the next scheduled appointment.