What Are the Possible Side Effects of Mesothelioma Treatment?
Before you begin mesothelioma treatment, one of your biggest concerns may be how the treatment will impact your quality of life. As with other cancers, mesothelioma treatment can cause both physical and emotional side effects. Learning about these potential side effects can help you feel more prepared as you begin treatment by giving you an understanding of how you might feel.
Physical side effects of mesothelioma treatment
The specific side effects a person undergoing mesothelioma treatment may experience largely depends on the kind of therapies they are having. You should talk to your physician about how your specific treatment plan might affect your body, since they will be the most familiar with the procedures, medications and therapies. That being said, some commonly reported side effects of mesothelioma treatment include:
- Fatigue
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Pain
One goal of your treatment will be to provide you with a positive quality of life, which includes minimizing any side effects. Often, medication can be prescribed to help control pain, nausea and other symptoms. It is important to communicate openly with your physician throughout your mesothelioma treatment. Tell your treatment team about any new or worsening side effects as soon as they occur so steps can be taken to control them before they get worse.
Emotional side effects of mesothelioma treatment
In addition to physical side effects, mesothelioma treatment may also bring with it a number of complex emotions. To help cope with the emotional side effects of cancer treatment, patients should surround themselves with friends and family, and should also explore supportive care services. At Moffitt Cancer Center, our patients have access to counselors, social workers and other supportive care specialists in the same location that they are receiving mesothelioma treatment to help ensure their emotional needs are being met. If you are interested in learning about the unique approach we take to mesothelioma treatment and supportive care at Moffitt, call 1-888-663-3488 or submit a new patient registration form online. You don’t need a referral to schedule a consultation.