{"id":22136,"date":"2025-12-08T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2025-12-08T05:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/?p=22136"},"modified":"2025-12-17T20:36:27","modified_gmt":"2025-12-18T01:36:27","slug":"what-to-expect-from-mesothelioma-treatment","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/blog\/what-to-expect-from-mesothelioma-treatment\/","title":{"rendered":"Mesothelioma Treatment Guide: What to Expect as a Patient or Caregiver"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>A mesothelioma diagnosis often brings a wave of questions, new terminology, and uncertainty. Understanding your <a href=\"\/treatment\/\">treatment options<\/a> \u2014 and what the process for each one might look like \u2014 can make the experience more manageable.<\/p>\n<p>One helpful way to prepare is to get familiar with the different procedures, recovery timelines, and <a href=\"\/treatment\/side-effects\/\">possible side effects<\/a> of each treatment option. This knowledge can help reduce anxiety and give you a greater sense of control. It also helps you know which questions to bring to your medical team as you begin treatment.<\/p>\n<div class=\"blockquote-w-image \"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/liz-logan-eclipse.png\" alt=\"\" \/><blockquote><p>&#8220;Talking openly with your care team about how you feel during mesothelioma treatment is important. It helps them know what\u2019s working well and what might need to be adjusted.&#8221;<\/p>\n<footer>&ndash;<cite> Liz Logan, Mesothelioma Hope\u2019s Oncology Nurse Navigator<\/cite><\/footer><\/blockquote><style type=\"text\/css\">.blockquote-w-image{position:relative;margin:40px auto}.blockquote-w-image blockquote{background:none;border-left:none;padding:25px;margin-top:0;padding-bottom:0;font-size:inherit;line-height:inherit}.blockquote-w-image blockquote footer cite{font-size:inherit}.blockquote-w-image blockquote p{margin-bottom:0}.blockquote-w-image img{width:100px;border:none;border-radius:100%;box-shadow:none;position:relative;margin:0 auto}.blockquote-w-image.alternative{margin:60px auto}.blockquote-w-image.alternative blockquote{padding:25px 25px 25px 80px;padding-bottom:25px;background-color:#E4F4F6}.blockquote-w-image.alternative img{position:absolute;left:20px;top:25px;z-index:1;width:50px;border:1px solid #fff;box-shadow:0 0 10px rgba(34,34,34,0.2);border-radius:100%}.blockquote-w-image.with-border{background:none;border-left:4px solid #0FAEBF}.blockquote-w-image.with-border blockquote{background:none;border-radius:0;padding:10px 25px}.blockquote-w-image.with-border blockquote footer cite{font-size:inherit}.blockquote-w-image blockquote:before{display:none}@media screen and (min-width: 769px){.blockquote-w-image img{position:absolute;left:0;top:0}.blockquote-w-image blockquote{padding:0 25px 0 125px;min-height:90px}}@media screen and (min-width: 1024px){.blockquote-w-image.alternative blockquote{padding-left:105px}.blockquote-w-image.alternative blockquote footer cite{font-size:16px}.entry-content .blockquote-w-image.alternative img{width:60px;left:25px}}<\/style><\/div>\n<p>Here\u2019s an overview of what to expect during treatment for <a href=\"\/mesothelioma\/\">mesothelioma<\/a> and how you and your caregivers can take an active role in your recovery.<\/p>\n<h2>What Patients Can Expect With Each Type of Treatment<\/h2>\n<p>Your treatment plan depends on several factors, such as your overall health, age, cancer location, and <a href=\"\/mesothelioma\/stages\/\">mesothelioma stage<\/a>. Most patients receive some combination of surgery, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and radiation therapy.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"\/treatment\/palliative\/\">Palliative care<\/a> may also be part of your treatment plan. It focuses on managing symptoms and side effects like pain, fatigue, and breathing issues to help you stay as comfortable as possible throughout treatment.<\/p>\n<h3>Mesothelioma Surgery<\/h3>\n<p>Surgery is sometimes the first line of treatment if the cancer hasn\u2019t spread to other parts of the body. Not all patients qualify for <a href=\"\/treatment\/surgery\/\">mesothelioma surgery<\/a>, and eligibility depends on the cancer stage, tumor location, and overall health.<\/p>\n<p><strong>The three most common surgeries for mesothelioma are: <\/strong><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li><a href=\"\/treatment\/surgery\/pleurectomy-decortication\/\"><strong>Pleurectomy with decortication (P\/D)<\/strong><\/a><strong>:<\/strong> Also used for pleural mesothelioma treatment, a P\/D removes the lining of the cancerous lung and any visible tumors. It\u2019s less invasive than an EPP and preserves the lung itself, but it takes much longer.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"\/treatment\/surgery\/extrapleural-pneumonectomy\/\"><strong>E<\/strong><\/a><a href=\"\/treatment\/surgery\/extrapleural-pneumonectomy\/\"><strong>xtrapleural pneumonectomy (EPP)<\/strong><\/a><strong>: <\/strong>This procedure removes the affected lung and nearby tissues in patients with pleural mesothelioma. Sometimes the lining of the heart is also removed. It\u2019s an extensive surgery that can take 3 or more hours to complete.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"\/treatment\/surgery\/cytoreduction-hipec\/\"><strong>Cytoreductive surgery with HIPEC<\/strong><\/a><strong>: <\/strong>This procedure is the gold standard for peritoneal mesothelioma. First, cytoreduction (also known as debulking) is performed to remove any visible tumors. Then, heated chemotherapy drugs are applied to the abdominal cavity to kill any remaining cancer cells.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>After surgery, you will have routine follow-up visits to check your healing and see how well the surgery worked. While your medical team manages the clinical side of recovery, <strong>preparing your home ahead of time<\/strong> can make your day-to-day healing much easier.<\/p>\n<div class=\"blockquote-w-image \"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/dr-edward-levine.png\" alt=\"\" \/><blockquote><p>&#8220;Cook some things up and put them in the freezer so you can microwave them. They&#8217;re easy to prepare, so when you come home, your house is 100% ready for someone who&#8217;s recovering from a major operation.&#8221;<\/p>\n<footer>&ndash;<cite> Dr. Edward Levine, mesothelioma specialist at Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist<\/cite><\/footer><\/blockquote><style type=\"text\/css\">.blockquote-w-image{position:relative;margin:40px auto}.blockquote-w-image blockquote{background:none;border-left:none;padding:25px;margin-top:0;padding-bottom:0;font-size:inherit;line-height:inherit}.blockquote-w-image blockquote footer cite{font-size:inherit}.blockquote-w-image blockquote p{margin-bottom:0}.blockquote-w-image img{width:100px;border:none;border-radius:100%;box-shadow:none;position:relative;margin:0 auto}.blockquote-w-image.alternative{margin:60px auto}.blockquote-w-image.alternative blockquote{padding:25px 25px 25px 80px;padding-bottom:25px;background-color:#E4F4F6}.blockquote-w-image.alternative img{position:absolute;left:20px;top:25px;z-index:1;width:50px;border:1px solid #fff;box-shadow:0 0 10px rgba(34,34,34,0.2);border-radius:100%}.blockquote-w-image.with-border{background:none;border-left:4px solid #0FAEBF}.blockquote-w-image.with-border blockquote{background:none;border-radius:0;padding:10px 25px}.blockquote-w-image.with-border blockquote footer cite{font-size:inherit}.blockquote-w-image blockquote:before{display:none}@media screen and (min-width: 769px){.blockquote-w-image img{position:absolute;left:0;top:0}.blockquote-w-image blockquote{padding:0 25px 0 125px;min-height:90px}}@media screen and (min-width: 1024px){.blockquote-w-image.alternative blockquote{padding-left:105px}.blockquote-w-image.alternative blockquote footer cite{font-size:16px}.entry-content .blockquote-w-image.alternative img{width:60px;left:25px}}<\/style><\/div>\n<p>Because treatment recommendations depend on your diagnosis and overall health, working with the right specialist is critical. Use our <strong>Free Doctor Match <\/strong>to find local specialists who can explain your options and help create a treatment plan that makes sense for you.<\/p>\n<div id=\"25223\" class=\"one-off-25223 widget widget_oscar-vque one-off\" data-vqueid=\"25223\"><style type=\"text\/css\" data-style=\"one-off\">.one-off-25223{margin:60px auto}.one-off-25223 a{box-shadow:0 4px 4px 0 rgba(0,0,0,.25);display:block;background:#e4f4f6;padding:20px 25px 200px;text-decoration:none;color:inherit;position:relative;overflow:hidden;max-width:360px;margin:0 auto}.one-off-25223 a::before{background:#0FAEBF;border-radius:50% 50% 0 0;content:'';position:absolute;bottom:0;height:19%;width:135%;left:-60px;z-index:0}.one-off-25223 .vque-content,.one-off-25223 .image-wrap{z-index:1;position:relative}.one-off-25223 .image-wrap{width:100%;position:absolute;left:-10px;bottom:-15px}.one-off-25223 .image-wrap img{position:absolute;bottom:0;width:100%;max-width:unset;left:0}.one-off-25223 .heading{font-size:27px;line-height:33px;text-align:center;display:block;max-width:340px;margin:5px auto 25px}.one-off-25223 ul{list-style:none;margin:-10px auto 22px;text-align:left;font-size:16px;line-height:26px}.one-off-25223 ul li{margin:0 0 15px;position:relative;padding-left:35px}.one-off-25223 ul li::before{font-family:\"mesohope\"!important;speak:none;font-style:normal;font-weight:normal;font-variant:normal;text-transform:none;line-height:1;content:\"\\e904\";background:#0FAEBF;width:21px;height:21px;display:block;position:absolute;left:0;top:4px;border-radius:50%;color:#fff;font-size:11px;text-align:center;line-height:21px}.one-off-25223 p{text-align:center}.one-off-25223 .button{padding:12px 16px;display:block}@media screen and (min-width:768px){.one-off-25223 a{max-width:620px;padding:30px 30px 35px;border-radius:0 0 4px 4px}.one-off-25223 a::before{border-radius:50%;height:155%;width:150%;right:-550px;left:unset;bottom:-295px}.one-off-25223 .heading{text-align:left;margin:2px 0 25px;max-width:unset;font-size:24px}.one-off-25223 ul{margin:-7px 0 30px;max-width:365px;line-height:23px}.one-off-25223 ul li::before{top:1px}.one-off-25223 .image-wrap{max-width:unset;position:absolute;right:-25px;bottom:-35px;margin:0 0 -2px;left:unset;width:380px}.one-off-25223 .image-wrap img{position:relative;bottom:0;left:0;width:380px}.one-off-25223 .button{display:inline-block;padding:14px 25px}.one-off-25223 p{text-align:left}}@media screen and (min-width:1150px){.one-off-25223 a{padding:30px}}<\/style><a href=\"\/get-matched\/\" title=\"Get Matched With a Mesothelioma Doctor\" class=\"cte\" data-ce-category=\"In-Content Ads\" data-ce-label=\"Get Matched With a Mesothelioma Doctor Ad\"><div>\r\n    <div class=\"vque-content\">\r\n        <strong class=\"heading\">Get Matched With a Mesothelioma Doctor<\/strong>\r\n        <ul>\r\n            <li>Find top specialists near you<\/li>\r\n            <li>Seek compensation for travel & care<\/li>\r\n            <li>Get medical guidance<\/li>\r\n        <\/ul>\r\n        <p><strong class=\"button arrow\" title=\"Get Matched Now\">Get Matched Now<\/strong><\/p>\r\n    <\/div>\r\n    <div class=\"image-wrap\"><img decoding=\"async\"  src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" data-src=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Doctors-ad.png\" alt=\"Get Matched With a Mesothelioma Doctor\" class=\"lazyload\" ><\/div>\r\n<\/div><\/a><\/div>\n<h4>What Is the Recovery Time for Mesothelioma Surgery?<\/h4>\n<p>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 while doctors and nurses can monitor them for any complications.<\/p>\n<p>The chart below shows estimated recovery times for each type of surgery.<\/p>\n<div class=\"table-wrap \">\n<table id=\"tablepress-70\" class=\"tablepress tablepress-id-70\">\n<thead>\n<tr class=\"row-1\">\n\t<th class=\"column-1\">Surgery<\/th><th class=\"column-2\">Recovery Time in Hospital<\/th><th class=\"column-3\">Recovery Time at Home<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody class=\"row-striping row-hover\">\n<tr class=\"row-2\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">EPP (for <a href=\"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/mesothelioma\/pleural\/\">pleural mesothelioma<\/a>)<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">Up to 2 weeks<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">6-8 weeks<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-3\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">P\/D (for pleural mesothelioma)<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">Up to 2 weeks<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">4-8 weeks<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-4\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Cytoreduction with HIPEC (for <a href=\"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/mesothelioma\/peritoneal\/\">peritoneal mesothelioma<\/a>)<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">Up to 12 days<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">8-12 weeks<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div><!-- #tablepress-70 from cache -->\n<p>Remember that these are only estimates. You should talk with your doctor about your anticipated recovery time.<\/p>\n<h3>Chemotherapy<\/h3>\n<p><a href=\"\/treatment\/chemotherapy\/\">Chemotherapy<\/a> is the most common treatment for mesothelioma because it may be used whether or not a patient is a candidate for surgery.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Patients can expect each chemotherapy cycle (or round) to follow this general process:\u00a0 <\/strong><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li><strong>Treatment<\/strong>: Patients receive a combination of chemotherapy drugs through a needle and tube inserted into a vein for several hours. During this time, a doctor or nurse will monitor the patient\u2019s vital signs and watch for any adverse reactions or side effects.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Recovery<\/strong>: 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.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Repeat<\/strong>: After recovering and resting, patients return to their cancer center for another round of chemotherapy.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>Unfortunately, since <a href=\"\/treatment\/chemotherapy\/medications\/\">chemotherapy drugs<\/a> kill both cancerous and noncancerous (healthy) cells, it is common for patients to have side effects in the period between treatments.<\/p>\n<div class=\"blockquote-w-image \"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/liz-logan-eclipse.png\" alt=\"\" \/><blockquote><p>&#8220;Chemotherapy can affect people in different ways. Many patients keep a symptom journal to record how they\u2019re feeling so they can share it with their doctors at their next visit.&#8221;<\/p>\n<footer>&ndash;<cite> Liz Logan, Mesothelioma Hope\u2019s Oncology Nurse Navigator<\/cite><\/footer><\/blockquote><style type=\"text\/css\">.blockquote-w-image{position:relative;margin:40px auto}.blockquote-w-image blockquote{background:none;border-left:none;padding:25px;margin-top:0;padding-bottom:0;font-size:inherit;line-height:inherit}.blockquote-w-image blockquote footer cite{font-size:inherit}.blockquote-w-image blockquote p{margin-bottom:0}.blockquote-w-image img{width:100px;border:none;border-radius:100%;box-shadow:none;position:relative;margin:0 auto}.blockquote-w-image.alternative{margin:60px auto}.blockquote-w-image.alternative blockquote{padding:25px 25px 25px 80px;padding-bottom:25px;background-color:#E4F4F6}.blockquote-w-image.alternative img{position:absolute;left:20px;top:25px;z-index:1;width:50px;border:1px solid #fff;box-shadow:0 0 10px rgba(34,34,34,0.2);border-radius:100%}.blockquote-w-image.with-border{background:none;border-left:4px solid #0FAEBF}.blockquote-w-image.with-border blockquote{background:none;border-radius:0;padding:10px 25px}.blockquote-w-image.with-border blockquote footer cite{font-size:inherit}.blockquote-w-image blockquote:before{display:none}@media screen and (min-width: 769px){.blockquote-w-image img{position:absolute;left:0;top:0}.blockquote-w-image blockquote{padding:0 25px 0 125px;min-height:90px}}@media screen and (min-width: 1024px){.blockquote-w-image.alternative blockquote{padding-left:105px}.blockquote-w-image.alternative blockquote footer cite{font-size:16px}.entry-content .blockquote-w-image.alternative img{width:60px;left:25px}}<\/style><\/div>\n<p><a href=\"\/blog\/mesothelioma-chemotherapy-side-effects\/\">Chemotherapy side effects<\/a> may include fatigue, nausea, changes in appetite, hair loss, weight loss, and a weakened immune system. It\u2019s important to discuss any side effects or concerns with your doctor. They may be able to try other chemotherapy drug combinations or prescribe medications to manage side effects.<\/p>\n<h4>How Many Rounds of Chemo Are Needed for Mesothelioma?<\/h4>\n<p>Each mesothelioma patient will need a unique chemotherapy treatment plan, but most patients can expect<strong> 2-4 rounds <\/strong>of chemotherapy. This means that they will have to repeat the treatment and recovery process at least twice.<\/p>\n<p>Multiple rounds allow doctors to see how the cancer is responding to chemotherapy and consider additional or alternative treatment options. As a result, patients should prepare for multiple follow-up appointments after they complete chemotherapy.<\/p>\n<h3>Immunotherapy<\/h3>\n<p><a href=\"\/treatment\/immunotherapy\/\">Immunotherapy<\/a> has become one of the most important treatments for mesothelioma in recent years. These medications strengthen the body\u2019s immune system so it can better recognize and destroy cancer cells.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>The first major step forward came when the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the combination of <a href=\"\/treatment\/immunotherapy\/opdivo-yervoy\/\"><strong>Opdivo\u00ae (nivolumab)<\/strong><\/a><a href=\"\/treatment\/immunotherapy\/opdivo-yervoy\/\"> and <\/a><a href=\"\/treatment\/immunotherapy\/opdivo-yervoy\/\"><strong>Yervoy\u00ae (ipilimumab)<\/strong><\/a> for pleural mesothelioma.<\/li>\n<li>In September 2024, the FDA approved another option: <a href=\"\/treatment\/immunotherapy\/keytruda\/\"><strong>Keytruda\u00ae (pembrolizumab)<\/strong><\/a> given with pemetrexed and platinum-based chemotherapy.<\/li>\n<li>The FDA recently approved a new version of Keytruda for mesothelioma that\u2019s given as <a href=\"\/blog\/new-mesothelioma-keytruda-injection-takes-only-1-minute\/\"><strong>a quick under-the-skin injection<\/strong><\/a> in about 1 minute, allowing patients to avoid the longer IV infusions used in the past.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Possible <a href=\"\/treatment\/immunotherapy\/side-effects\/\">side effects of immunotherapy<\/a> include fatigue, nausea, appetite loss, muscle pain, flu-like symptoms, inflammation, and skin rashes. As with any other treatment, patients should expect routine follow-up appointments that may involve blood tests and X-rays to make sure they\u2019re not experiencing any complications.<\/p>\n<p>While Opdivo and Yervoy are the two immunotherapy drugs approved for mainstream mesothelioma treatment, other immunotherapy options and <a href=\"\/treatment\/emerging-treatments\/\">emerging treatments<\/a> are being studied in clinical trials every year.<\/p>\n<h3>Cancer Wellness Habits to Support Your Recovery<\/h3>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p>Learn more about cancer wellness habits that can aid in your recovery.<\/p>\n<h3>Community and Connection<\/h3>\n<p>Many <a href=\"\/mesothelioma\/prognosis\/survivors\/\">mesothelioma survivors<\/a> note that faith, family, and fellowship with other patients helped them through the toughest moments of their cancer journey.<\/p>\n<div class=\"blockquote-w-image \"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/alexis-kidd-80x80-1.png\" alt=\"\" \/><blockquote><p>&#8220;The mesothelioma community has afforded me <strong>an incredible opportunity to meet others affected by this disease.<\/strong> It is such a gift to be even a small part of their corner of the world.\u201d<\/p>\n<footer>&ndash;<cite> Alexis Kidd, 18+ year mesothelioma survivor<\/cite><\/footer><\/blockquote><style type=\"text\/css\">.blockquote-w-image{position:relative;margin:40px auto}.blockquote-w-image blockquote{background:none;border-left:none;padding:25px;margin-top:0;padding-bottom:0;font-size:inherit;line-height:inherit}.blockquote-w-image blockquote footer cite{font-size:inherit}.blockquote-w-image blockquote p{margin-bottom:0}.blockquote-w-image img{width:100px;border:none;border-radius:100%;box-shadow:none;position:relative;margin:0 auto}.blockquote-w-image.alternative{margin:60px auto}.blockquote-w-image.alternative blockquote{padding:25px 25px 25px 80px;padding-bottom:25px;background-color:#E4F4F6}.blockquote-w-image.alternative img{position:absolute;left:20px;top:25px;z-index:1;width:50px;border:1px solid #fff;box-shadow:0 0 10px rgba(34,34,34,0.2);border-radius:100%}.blockquote-w-image.with-border{background:none;border-left:4px solid #0FAEBF}.blockquote-w-image.with-border blockquote{background:none;border-radius:0;padding:10px 25px}.blockquote-w-image.with-border blockquote footer cite{font-size:inherit}.blockquote-w-image blockquote:before{display:none}@media screen and (min-width: 769px){.blockquote-w-image img{position:absolute;left:0;top:0}.blockquote-w-image blockquote{padding:0 25px 0 125px;min-height:90px}}@media screen and (min-width: 1024px){.blockquote-w-image.alternative blockquote{padding-left:105px}.blockquote-w-image.alternative blockquote footer cite{font-size:16px}.entry-content .blockquote-w-image.alternative img{width:60px;left:25px}}<\/style><\/div>\n<p><a href=\"\/resources\/support-groups\/\">Mesothelioma support groups<\/a> can be a great place for patients looking for a place to start. There are groups that meet online, in person, and over the phone where patients can share experiences, knowledge, and coping skills. These moments of connection can empower patients and help them feel less alone.<\/p>\n<div class=\"callout-shortcode\"><style type=\"text\/css\">.callout-shortcode{background:#EDF8F9;border-radius:0 10px 10px 0;padding:20px 20px 20px 24px;margin:40px 0;max-width:860px;position:relative}.callout-shortcode:before{content:\" \";position:absolute;top:0;bottom:0;width:4px;height:100%;left:0;background:linear-gradient(180deg, #0FAEBF 0%, #EDF8F9 100%)}.callout-shortcode .callout-shortcode-heading{color:#100134;font-size:22px;display:block;margin:0 0 15px}.callout-shortcode:first-child{margin-top:0}.callout-shortcode:last-child{margin-bottom:0}.callout-shortcode .img-wrap{margin-bottom:20px}.callout-shortcode.hope>strong{padding-top:17px;padding-bottom:15px;padding-left:74px}.callout-shortcode.hope .img-wrap{left:22px;position:absolute;top:20px;width:59px}.callout-shortcode.hope .img-wrap:before{background:#fff url(\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/mh-icon-65.png);background-position:center;background-repeat:no-repeat;background-size:70%;border-radius:30px;bottom:-10px;content:\"\";display:block;height:30px;position:absolute;right:-10px;width:30px}@media screen and (min-width: 768px){.callout-shortcode{padding:25px 25px 25px 34px}.callout-shortcode .callout-shortcode-heading{font-size:24px}.callout-shortcode .img-wrap{margin-bottom:0}.callout-shortcode.has-img{min-height:170px;padding-left:175px}.callout-shortcode.has-img .img-wrap{position:absolute;left:29px;top:25px;width:119px}.callout-shortcode.hope.has-img{padding-left:170px}.callout-shortcode.hope>strong{padding:0}.callout-shortcode.hope .img-wrap{width:109px}.callout-shortcode.hope .img-wrap:before{background-size:66%;bottom:-15px;height:42px;width:42px}}<\/style><div class=\"content\"><p>Want to connect with others impacted by mesothelioma? Join <a href=\"\/mesothelioma-hope-support-group\/\"><strong>Mesothelioma Hope\u2019s Virtual Support Group<\/strong><\/a> to find community, ask questions, and share your experience.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<h3>Diet and Nutrition<\/h3>\n<p>Treatment side effects like appetite loss, nausea, and vomiting can make it incredibly difficult to get the fuel your body needs. This can make fatigue and weakness even worse and not allow your body to recover.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Our mesothelioma nurse, Liz Logan, shares these 5 <\/strong><a href=\"\/treatment\/diet-and-nutrition\/\"><strong>diet and nutrition<\/strong><\/a><strong> tips: <\/strong><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li>Ask for a referral to a nutritionist or dietitian during your next oncology appointment.<\/li>\n<li>Consume food and drinks at room temperature to avoid nausea.<\/li>\n<li>Increase your protein intake to help your body heal and build muscle.<\/li>\n<li>Replace 3 large meals with 6-8 smaller, low-fat meals each day.<\/li>\n<li>Try eating spicy foods or hard candy to stimulate your salivary glands, which can help with appetite.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>Pleural mesothelioma survivor <a href=\"\/blog\/arthur-putt-retiree-and-survivor\/\">Arthur \u201cArt\u201d Putt<\/a> experienced throat pain and irritation after chemotherapy and immunotherapy. But with a careful nutrient-focused approach, he was able to heal.<\/p>\n<div class=\"blockquote-w-image \"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/survivor-image-arthur.png\" alt=\"\" \/><blockquote><p>\u201cAt one time, <strong>doctors told me I\u2019d never eat solid food again,<\/strong> but we showed them wrong.\u201d<\/p>\n<footer>&ndash;<cite> Art Putt, 7+ year mesothelioma survivor<\/cite><\/footer><\/blockquote><style type=\"text\/css\">.blockquote-w-image{position:relative;margin:40px auto}.blockquote-w-image blockquote{background:none;border-left:none;padding:25px;margin-top:0;padding-bottom:0;font-size:inherit;line-height:inherit}.blockquote-w-image blockquote footer cite{font-size:inherit}.blockquote-w-image blockquote p{margin-bottom:0}.blockquote-w-image img{width:100px;border:none;border-radius:100%;box-shadow:none;position:relative;margin:0 auto}.blockquote-w-image.alternative{margin:60px auto}.blockquote-w-image.alternative blockquote{padding:25px 25px 25px 80px;padding-bottom:25px;background-color:#E4F4F6}.blockquote-w-image.alternative img{position:absolute;left:20px;top:25px;z-index:1;width:50px;border:1px solid #fff;box-shadow:0 0 10px rgba(34,34,34,0.2);border-radius:100%}.blockquote-w-image.with-border{background:none;border-left:4px solid #0FAEBF}.blockquote-w-image.with-border blockquote{background:none;border-radius:0;padding:10px 25px}.blockquote-w-image.with-border blockquote footer cite{font-size:inherit}.blockquote-w-image blockquote:before{display:none}@media screen and (min-width: 769px){.blockquote-w-image img{position:absolute;left:0;top:0}.blockquote-w-image blockquote{padding:0 25px 0 125px;min-height:90px}}@media screen and (min-width: 1024px){.blockquote-w-image.alternative blockquote{padding-left:105px}.blockquote-w-image.alternative blockquote footer cite{font-size:16px}.entry-content .blockquote-w-image.alternative img{width:60px;left:25px}}<\/style><\/div>\n<p>Additionally, a nutritious mesothelioma diet that incorporates immune-boosting and <strong>anti-inflammatory foods<\/strong> can help support recovery and make you feel more comfortable after treatment.<\/p>\n<h3>Gentle Movement<\/h3>\n<p>Body pain and fatigue after treatment can make it difficult to move and complete daily activities. However, even just a few minutes of <a href=\"\/blog\/mesothelioma-fitness\/\">gentle exercise<\/a> can improve blood flow, strengthen the immune system, and help the body bounce back after treatment.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Some gentle activities for mesothelioma patients include: <\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Chair exercises<\/li>\n<li>Short walks<\/li>\n<li>Stretching<\/li>\n<li>Yoga<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Talk with your mesothelioma doctor before starting any new activity. They can guide you on what level of movement is safe at each stage of treatment.<\/p>\n<h3>Mental Health Support<\/h3>\n<p><strong>Depression impacts 1 in 4 cancer patients<\/strong>, according to the American Cancer Society. Mesothelioma patients may be at an even greater risk of depression and anxiety because of the aggressive nature of the disease.<\/p>\n<p>From diagnosis to treatment and recovery, it\u2019s important to be mindful of your <a href=\"\/resources\/mental-health\/\">mental health<\/a>. Don\u2019t 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 help.<\/p>\n<p>Most importantly, remember that you are not alone. Talking about your feelings with someone you trust can reduce your stress and help you cope.<\/p>\n<h2>How Caregivers Can Support Their Loved Ones\u2019 Healing<\/h2>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Here are some specific ways <a href=\"\/resources\/caregivers\/\">caregivers<\/a> can help a loved one after mesothelioma treatment:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li>Encourage them to remain hopeful.<\/li>\n<li>Help administer their medications if needed.<\/li>\n<li>Look out for any severe side effects.<\/li>\n<li>Prepare nutritious food based on their doctor\u2019s recommendations.<\/li>\n<li>Seek out mental health and mesothelioma support groups.<\/li>\n<li>Spend quality time with them.<\/li>\n<li>Advocate for them during follow-up appointments and ask questions.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>Additionally, it\u2019s important for mesothelioma caregivers to take care of themselves so they can care for their loved ones. <strong>Remember: it\u2019s okay to ask for help.<\/strong><\/p>\n<blockquote><p>\u201cBe there for the person with the illness. As hard as it is to think of them not being around, it\u2019s most definitely harder on them to go through this major challenge, and they need someone to lean on.\u201d<br \/>\n\u2013 Matt Litton, son of 16+ year mesothelioma survivor Jill Litton<\/p>\n<\/blockquote><style type=\"text\/css\">blockquote{margin:40px 0;padding:0px 15px 0px 60px;position:relative;background-color:#fff}blockquote:before{content:\"\\e99d\";color:#fff;background-color:#0FAEBF;font-size:30px;font-family:\"mesohope\" !important;position:absolute;left:0;top:0;width:50px;height:50px;line-height:50px;text-align:center;border-radius:50%}blockquote p{margin:0}blockquote footer cite{font-size:inherit;line-height:26px;font-style:normal}@media screen and (min-width: 1024px){blockquote{padding:0px 90px 0px 85px}blockquote:before{font-size:35px;width:60px;height:60px;line-height:60px;left:0}}<\/style>\n<h2>Get Help at Every Step of Your Mesothelioma Journey<\/h2>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p>Mesothelioma Hope is <strong>committed to helping you and your family<\/strong> at every step of the treatment process.<\/p>\n<p>Call <strong><a href=\"tel:+18666088933\" title=\"Click to call (866) 608-8933\" class=\"in-content-tel-link\" data-ce-category=\"Click to Call\" data-ce-label=\"(866) 608-8933\">(866) 608-8933<\/a><\/strong> to reach one of our Patient Advocates right now for personalized guidance and support.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>A mesothelioma diagnosis often brings a wave of questions, new terminology, and uncertainty. Understanding your treatment options \u2014 and what the process for each one might look like \u2014 can make the experience more manageable. One helpful way to prepare is to get familiar with the different procedures, recovery timelines, and possible side effects of&hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":35,"featured_media":22137,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[118],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-22136","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-mesothelioma-treatment"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/22136","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/35"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=22136"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/22136\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/22137"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=22136"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=22136"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=22136"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}