What do Long-Term Mesothelioma Survivors Have in Common?
Living with mesothelioma can be an isolating experience. With doctor’s appointments and the stress of a chronic illness, it’s hard to know where to turn and what to do. Mesothelioma is known for its resistance to treatment and low life expectancy – the five-year survival rate for malignant pleural mesothelioma is 30%. The diagnosis can be overwhelming at a time when you need hope, but there are things that long-term survivors of mesothelioma have in common.
Early Diagnosis and Screening
Mesothelioma is rare. Most people don’t go through routine screening for the disease unless they are at high risk. But early detection can lead to the best chance of aggressive treatment and long-term survival.Asbestos exposure causes mesothelioma. Asbestos is a fibrous mineral naturally found in soil and rocks. Because of its heat resistance, manufacturers once widely used asbestos in construction materials, brake pads, and flame-retardant clothing. While its use is now much more regulated, construction renovations, fires, and demolitions can still disturb asbestos fibers. Once disturbed, asbestos fibers travel through the air and water and can be inhaled or ingested.While your risk of developing mesothelioma is higher with long-term or ongoing exposure to asbestos, those with minimal exposure can still develop the disease. If you worked with asbestos or materials containing asbestos or lived with someone who did, you should be sure to let your doctor know and ask for testing. For people with known exposure to asbestos, doctors may recommend regular CT scans or chest x-rays.
Aggressive Treatment
For some types of mesothelioma, surgery offers the best chance of long-term survival. For others, surgery in combination with radiation or chemotherapy may offer the best chance of survival. Ask your doctor about:
- Surgical options,
- Chemotherapy,
- Radiation therapy,
- Palliative procedures,
- Immunotherapy, and
- Targeted therapies.
Take Care of Your Physical and Mental Health
If you’re living with mesothelioma, it’s still important to take care of your overall health as well as your emotional health. Be sure to have check-ups, eat healthy food, and follow up on any problems or new symptoms with your doctor. You also need to take care of your mental health. Make an appointment with a counselor or ask your doctor about nearby support groups. You can even meet online with other mesothelioma survivors.If you or a loved one have mesothelioma, contact the Madeksho Law Firm at 888-910-6376 or through our online form. You may be entitled to compensation. Your initial consultation is free, and you never pay a fee unless we recover compensation for you.
