For those suffering mesothelioma, there are days when life feels hopeless and full of grief. But there can also be good days when you learn to enjoy the little moments. And if you learn how to embrace a life of self-care, you have more of the latter.
Understanding Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is a rare but aggressive type of cancer that develops primarily in the lungs due to exposure to asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral that was used extensively throughout a number of American industries during the 20th century.
Exposure to asbestos typically happens in environments where the material is disturbed – such as in renovations, building, and demolition. Without the proper protective equipment, these tiny fibers – finer than dust – can be breathed into the lungs and become lodged. Once lodged, these fibers can cause tissue irritation and the eventual development of mesothelioma.
“One of the challenges of mesothelioma is the long latency period, which is the length of time between initial exposure and official diagnosis,” says MesothleiomaGuide.com. “It can often last decades, resulting in late-stage diagnosis, difficulty treating the cancer and a poor prognosis.”
By the time mesothelioma is detected, it’s often already in stage 3 or stage 4. By this point, removing the cancer isn’t always possible. That means much of the focus goes toward slowing the progression and making the patient more comfortable for as long as possible.
Helpful Self-Care Tips and Suggestions
If you’re living with mesothelioma, you need to care for yourself well. And while we all have different needs, here are some tips and suggestions that should prove helpful.
1. Focus on Eating Healthy Foods
Eating healthy is important for everyone. But when you have mesothelioma, eating well is more important than ever. Good food can help your body fight the disease and make you feel stronger. Try to eat lots of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and proteins like chicken or fish. These foods have nutrients that your body needs to stay as strong as possible.
On the opposite end of the spectrum, you should also be proactive about avoiding highly processed foods with lots of trans fats and refined sugar. These can have an equally negative impact on your health and suppress your body’s ability to perform at its best.
Sometimes, treatments like chemotherapy can make you feel not hungry or change how foods taste. If this happens, try to eat small snacks throughout the day instead of big meals. Foods like smoothies, yogurt, and oatmeal can be easier to handle and still give you good nutrition. It’s okay if you’re not eating perfectly all the time – just do your best to keep your body fueled.
2. Stay as Active as You Can
Keeping your body moving can actually help you feel better, even though it might seem tough some days. When you exercise, your body releases feel-good chemicals that can put you in a better spot, both physically and mentally. You don’t have to run a marathon or lift heavy weights – even gentle activities like walking, light stretching, or yoga can be really beneficial when you’re fighting cancer.
Talk to your doctor about what kind of exercise is safe for you, and try to make it a regular part of your day. Even a little bit of activity can make a big difference in how you feel.
3. Manage Your Stress
Having mesothelioma can be really stressful. It’s normal to feel scared, angry, anxious, or sad. Managing your stress is a key part of taking care of yourself. Techniques like deep breathing, meditation, or listening to calming music can help. You might also want to try writing in a journal about what you’re going through.
Sometimes, just talking to someone can make a big difference. This could be friends, family, or even a counselor or therapist who works with clients who have serious illnesses. Don’t be afraid to ask for help if you’re feeling overwhelmed. It sounds cliche, but it’s a necessary reminder.
4. Get Enough Rest
Finally, your body needs more rest when it’s fighting mesothelioma. Try to get plenty of sleep at night, and take naps during the day if you need to. If you’re having trouble sleeping, talk to your doctor about possible changes you can make. Creating a bedtime routine can also help. It’s helpful if you go to bed at the same time each night, and do things that relax you before bed, like reading or taking a warm bath.
Living Well With Where You Are
Nobody wants to live with mesothelioma. But if that’s your diagnosis, then you need to embrace the reality of your situation and explore ways to care for your mind and body as they are. By practicing the self-care tips highlighted above, you can put yourself in a more positive light!
