Developing a Wellness Plan

Based on your diagnosis and the stage of your disease, your physician might recommend that you undergo a combination of surgery, radiation and/or chemotherapy. The physical effects of your illness and treatment can be quite severe, and the emotional and psychological impact of having cancer can be equally challenging. For this reason, many cancer patients supplement their medical treatment with complementary therapies that are focused on easing pain, stress, fatigue and other emotional aspects of their illness.

It is important to remember that mesothelioma affects more than just the person with the diagnosis - mesothelioma affects the entire family, both physically and emotionally. For this reason, we encourage you to develop a wellness program that includes complementary therapies and relaxing activities for your entire family. Also, encourage your entire family to live healthfully - eat right, exercise and get plenty of rest - as this will play a big role in how well they cope with the grief and stress of your illness. Joining support groups is another great way to help manage the emotional aspects of the illness just by sharing experiences with people who face similar circumstances.

Write your family wellness plan down on paper and schedule in everyone's treatments and activities on a calendar. The calendar will help keep everyone focused and energized, while also giving them activities to look forward to and encouraging them to take things one day at a time.