Facing a mesothelioma diagnosis can be overwhelming, especially when it comes to understanding your treatment options. It’s normal to feel anxious, confused, and uncertain about what comes next. But remember, there’s always hope.
Mesothelioma treatments like surgery, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy can potentially help you live longer with fewer symptoms. And by familiarizing yourself with different mesothelioma treatments, recovery times, and possible side effects, you’ll feel more prepared and less anxious.
“I find when patients understand their diagnosis, treatment options, and ways to improve their quality of life, they feel more in control of their cancer journey.“
Jenna has over 15 years of experience helping cancer patients and their families. Call (866) 608-8933 to connect with her today and get answers to questions you have about mesothelioma treatment.
How to Treat Mesothelioma & What to Expect
How to prepare for and recover from mesothelioma treatment depends on several factors, including your age, the location of your cancer, which treatment you receive, and your overall health.
Learn what to expect with surgery, immunotherapy, and chemotherapy for mesothelioma.
Surgery
Mesothelioma surgery is often the first treatment patients receive if their cancer hasn’t spread to other parts of the body.
Doctors can use different types of surgeries to remove as many cancerous tumors as possible, increase life expectancy, and ease painful symptoms.
Three common surgeries for mesothelioma include:
- Extrapleural pneumonectomy (EPP): This removes the affected lung and nearby tissues in patients with pleural mesothelioma. Sometimes the lining of the heart is also removed. It is an extensive surgery that can take three or more hours to complete.
- Pleurectomy with decortication (P/D): Also used to treat pleural mesothelioma, a P/D removes the lining of the affected lung and any visible tumors. It is less invasive than an EPP and allows the patient to keep both lungs.
- Cytoreductive surgery with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC): This procedure is the gold standard for peritoneal mesothelioma. First, doctors remove any visible tumors through cytoreduction (also known as debulking). Heated chemotherapy drugs are then applied to the abdomen to kill any remaining cancer cells.
After surgery, patients can expect regular follow-up appointments. These appointments often include routine physical exams to check for side effects and additional X-rays and other imaging scans to see if the surgery was successful.
“If we do more extensive surgery, I set expectations that we’re going to do our best to remove all the tumor we possibly can as safely as we can.”
What Is the Recovery Time for Mesothelioma Surgery?
Recovery time for mesothelioma surgery varies for each patient and depends on the procedure. Typically, patients can expect to stay in the hospital for a week or more so doctors can monitor them for any complications and then recover at home.
| Surgery | Recovery Time in Hospital | Recovery Time at Home |
|---|---|---|
| EPP (for pleural mesothelioma) | Up to 2 weeks | 6-8 weeks |
| P/D (for pleural mesothelioma) | Up to 2 weeks | 4-8 weeks |
| Cytoreduction with HIPEC (for peritoneal mesothelioma) | Up to 12 days | 8-12 weeks |
The numbers above are estimates. You should ask your doctor about your anticipated recovery time.
Immunotherapy
Mesothelioma immunotherapy works by helping the immune system identify and attack cancer cells. It has been growing in popularity as a treatment option since the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the immunotherapy drugs Opdivo® and Yervoy® for pleural mesothelioma in 2020.
Like chemotherapy, immunotherapy is typically administered through an IV infusion. Patients usually undergo several cycles or rounds of treatment, with sessions spaced a few weeks apart to allow the body to recover.
However, as with any treatment, immunotherapy can come with side effects.
These may include:
- Changes in blood pressure
- Fatigue
- Flu-like symptoms
- Inflammation
- Muscle pain
- Skin rashes
Speak up about any treatment-related symptoms or side effects so your care team can find ways to make you more comfortable.
“Create a symptom diary the day you start treatment and record anything unusual during and after your infusion,” says Nurse Jenna. This will help you, your loved ones, and your doctor manage your symptoms more effectively.”
Download our Free Immunotherapy Guide to read more about this treatment and how it could help you or a loved one.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy is the most common treatment for mesothelioma because it may be used whether or not a patient can receive surgery.
Each chemotherapy cycle will follow this general process:
- Treatment: Patients receive a combination of chemotherapy drugs through an IV for several hours. A doctor or nurse will monitor the patient’s vital signs and watch for any adverse reactions or side effects.
- Recovery: Over the course of several days or weeks, patients will recover from their treatment session. Patients may experience side effects like nausea and tiredness during this time.
- Repeat: After recovering and resting, patients return to their cancer center for another round of chemotherapy.
Since chemotherapy drugs kill both cancerous cells and healthy cells, it’s common for patients to have side effects in the period between treatments.
Chemotherapy side effects may include:
- Fatigue
- Hair loss
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Weakened immune system
- Weight loss
“Chemotherapy not only kills the bad cells, but it kills the good cells too. You’ll likely see nausea and some hair loss, but there are medications to help with nausea and stimulate appetite, so be sure to talk with your oncologist.”
It’s important to discuss any side effects or concerns with your doctor. They may be able to try other chemotherapy drug combinations or prescribe certain medications to combat your symptoms.
How Many Rounds of Chemo Are Needed for Mesothelioma?
Each mesothelioma patient will need a unique chemotherapy treatment plan, but most patients can expect 2-4 rounds of chemotherapy. This means that they will have to repeat the treatment and recovery process at least twice.
Multiple sessions allow doctors to see how the cancer responds to chemotherapy and consider additional or alternative treatments. As a result, patients should prepare for multiple follow-up appointments after they complete chemotherapy.
Working with an experienced mesothelioma doctor can help you explore various treatment options. If you’re not already working with a specialist, we can help find one near you — use our Free Doctor Match to get started.
Cancer Wellness Habits to Support Your Recovery
Mesothelioma treatment can be physically and emotionally demanding. For this reason, doctors recommend practicing specific wellness habits to help patients cope with and recover from treatment.
Learn more about cancer wellness habits that can aid in your recovery.
Community and Connection
Many mesothelioma survivors note that faith, family, and fellowship with other patients helped them through the toughest moments of their cancer journey.
“The mesothelioma community has afforded me an incredible opportunity to meet others affected by this disease. It is such a gift to be even a small part of their corner of the world.”
Mesothelioma support groups are an excellent starting point. Patients can meet online, in person, and over the phone to share experiences, knowledge, and coping skills. These moments of connection can empower patients and help them feel less alone.
Read 7 powerful stories of hope and resilience from patients and their family members in our Free Mesothelioma Survivors Guide.
Diet and Nutrition
Side effects of mesothelioma treatment like fatigue, nausea, and vomiting can make it incredibly difficult to get the nutrients your body needs.
Mesothelioma nurse Amy Fair shares these 5 nutrition tips:
- Ask for a referral to a nutritionist or dietitian during your next oncology appointment.
- Consume food and drinks at room temperature to avoid nausea.
- Increase your protein intake to help your body heal and build muscle.
- Replace 3 large meals with 6-8 smaller, low-fat meals each day.
- Try eating spicy foods or hard candy to stimulate your salivary glands, which can help with appetite.
Pleural mesothelioma survivor Arthur “Art” Putt experienced throat pain and irritation after chemotherapy and immunotherapy. But with a careful nutrient-focused approach, he was able to heal.
“At one time, doctors told me I’d never eat solid food again, but we showed them wrong.”
Additionally, a mesothelioma diet that includes immune-boosting and anti-inflammatory foods can help support recovery and make you feel more comfortable after treatment.
Gentle Movement
Mesothelioma symptoms can make it harder to complete daily activities. However, even just a few minutes of gentle movement can improve blood flow, strengthen the immune system, and help your body bounce back after treatment.
Some gentle activities for mesothelioma patients include:
- Stretching
- Walking
- Yoga
Ask your mesothelioma specialist about which activities they recommend before, during, and after treatment.
Mental Health Support
Mesothelioma patients and their caregivers have a greater risk of anxiety and depression because of the aggressive nature of the disease.
In a recent mental health study, more than 50% of mesothelioma patients reported feelings of anxiety, particularly when awaiting imaging scans and test results.
It’s important to be mindful of your mental health. Don’t feel ashamed or embarrassed to ask for help. Many cancer treatment centers have in-house therapists and counselors, or can refer you to someone who can assist you.
Most importantly, remember that you are not alone. Talking about your feelings with someone you trust can reduce stress and help you cope.
Learn how other patients and their caregivers navigated their own mental health in our Free Mesothelioma Survivors Guide.
How Caregivers Can Support Their Loved One’s Healing
Family and friends are a crucial part of mesothelioma treatment. With their support, mesothelioma patients can feel more empowered and hopeful throughout their treatment and recovery journey.
“Be there for the person with the illness. As hard as it is to think of them not being around, it’s most definitely harder on them to go through this major challenge, and they need someone to lean on.”
Here are some specific ways caregivers can help a loved one after mesothelioma treatment:
- Encourage them to remain hopeful.
- Help administer their medications if needed.
- Look out for any severe side effects.
- Prepare nutritious food based on their doctor’s recommendations.
- Seek out mental health and mesothelioma support groups.
- Spend quality time with them.
- Advocate for them during follow-up appointments and ask questions.
Additionally, it’s important for mesothelioma caregivers to take care of themselves so they can care for their loved one. Remember it’s okay to ask for help.
Get Help at Every Step of Your Mesothelioma Journey
A mesothelioma diagnosis can be devastating, but surgery, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and other treatments offer hope. Some survivors have lived 20 years or more with mesothelioma treatment.
Mesothelioma Hope is committed to helping you and your family at every step of the treatment process.
“The insight I’ve experienced has given me the ability to prepare other families for hurdles that may arise after being impacted by a mesothelioma diagnosis.”
Call (866) 608-8933 to reach one of our Patient Advocates right now for personalized guidance and support.
