Thousands of people each year are diagnosed with mesothelioma. This rare form of cancer is particularly devastating because most victims, some who worked with shipyard asbestos, have presented symptoms of the disease for decades but they were misdiagnosed as common cold or flu-like ailments. As with any cancer, early detection is the key to surviving the longest and misdiagnosis usually means most patients are diagnosed in a late stage of the cancer. Nutrition will play a big role in nourishing your body to help maintain a strong immune system.
In this month’s blogs you will find nutrition tips for the three main therapies for mesothelioma: chemotherapy, radiation and surgery. You will also learn how fats, carbohydrates, proteins and more can help you build up your immune system when consumed in proper proportions. You will also learn food and safety guidelines you should follow during treatment and nutrition tips for patients with advanced cancer.
Nutrition is an important part of a mesothelioma cancer treatment. Eating well during treatments will help you regain your strength, keep up your weight, decrease your risk of infection, heal and recover more quickly, better tolerate the side effects of treatment and generally make you feel better. This month’s blogs will focus on topics to help you embrace nutrition as a weapon in your defense against the cancer.
As with any diet, consult your physician to make sure you are following the best nutrition plan for your particular mesothelioma cancer diagnosis and mesothelioma treatment. Make sure your caregivers are aware of the optimal nutrition plan for you as well.
The United States Navy was once a leading center for ocean vessel construction in the world. Over twenty major shipyards employed millions of workers for over sixty years dating back to the 1920’s. Unfortunately, that meant that steel and shipyard asbestos were heavily used in construction of these vessels. Anyone can do the math and conclude that means millions experienced asbestos exposure and now are suffering the results in the form of mesothelioma cancer.
Once given a mesothelioma diagnosis after shipyard asbestos exposure, your medical team and you will have to agree upon the best treatment for your particular type of cancer. Surgery, radiation and/or chemotherapy are the three most common treatments used to remove tumors and lessen pain or mesothelioma symptoms for the patient.
Nutrition for people with cancer is not only important but critical to how you respond to the cancer and to healing. Making sure to request from your caregivers to have a balanced diet of foods ready can help you feel better and maintain strength. The right nutrition is important to sustain energy levels and heal more quickly.
Most likely, your appetite will be affected and perhaps the ability of your body to even tolerate certain foods. Ask your medical professionals how to help your nutritional needs and cope with the side effects of treatment.