{"id":23945,"date":"2024-04-16T13:14:39","date_gmt":"2024-04-16T17:14:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/?p=23945"},"modified":"2025-04-22T14:00:38","modified_gmt":"2025-04-22T18:00:38","slug":"can-you-live-a-normal-life-with-mesothelioma","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/blog\/can-you-live-a-normal-life-with-mesothelioma\/","title":{"rendered":"Can You Live a Normal Life With Mesothelioma?"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>While <a href=\"\/mesothelioma\/\">mesothelioma<\/a> is an aggressive cancer, <strong>it is possible to live a normal life after a diagnosis<\/strong>. Many patients have survived for years and been able to continue their day-to-day activities with the right treatment.<\/p>\n<div class=\"blockquote-w-image \"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/john-stahl-hope-img.png\" alt=\"\" \/><blockquote><p>\u201cI\u2019m doing very well, as a matter of fact. I play golf twice a week. I go hang out with my friends when they\u2019re around. Yeah, I\u2019m pretty well back to normal.\u201d<\/p>\n<footer>&ndash;<cite> John Stahl 6+ 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>Find out what life with mesothelioma is like and how you can get the support you need to live your typical life with this cancer.<\/p>\n<h2>What Daily Life Looks Like With Mesothelioma<\/h2>\n<p>Living with mesothelioma may involve checking in on how you\u2019re feeling every day. This can mean being mindful of common <a href=\"\/mesothelioma\/symptoms\/\">symptoms<\/a>, such as a cough or shortness of breath, and not overexerting yourself.<\/p>\n<p>As you go through treatment, you may start easing some of your mesothelioma symptoms. However, you might also have to manage treatment-related side effects, like fatigue and nausea from chemotherapy.<\/p>\n<p>Thankfully, these symptoms and side effects can be managed with the help of your doctor and medical team. With the right care plan, you can focus on the things that matter most to you, like spending time with loved ones.<\/p>\n<div class=\"blockquote-w-image \"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Robert-Taylor-Ripley-MD-300x300-1.png\" alt=\"\" \/><blockquote><p>&#8220;Patients assume when they have the disease, that they can&#8217;t survive and can&#8217;t live with the disease, even though many of our patients are walking around living relatively normal lives.&#8221;<\/p>\n<footer>&ndash;<cite> Dr. Taylor Ripley, Mesothelioma specialist at the Baylor Lung Institute<\/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>Learn more about symptoms, treatment, and what to expect throughout your journey with this cancer in our <strong>Free Mesothelioma Guide<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<h2>How to Manage Living With Mesothelioma<\/h2>\n<p>There are so many ways to get support as you manage life after a mesothelioma diagnosis and work toward resuming your normal life. Find out more below.<\/p>\n<h3>Get Personalized Treatment<\/h3>\n<p>Undergoing <a href=\"\/treatment\/\">mesothelioma treatment<\/a> as soon as possible after a diagnosis is the most important step to help you get back to your everyday life.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Common treatment options for mesothelioma include:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Chemotherapy<\/li>\n<li>Immunotherapy<\/li>\n<li>Radiation therapy<\/li>\n<li>Surgery<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>It\u2019s also important to remember that a treatment approach that might have worked well for one patient might not be the best option for you. For this reason, it\u2019s important to get treatment that is best for your type and <a href=\"\/mesothelioma\/stages\/\">stage of mesothelioma<\/a>.<\/p>\n<div class=\"blockquote-w-image \"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/raja-flores-profile.png\" alt=\"\" \/><blockquote><p>\u201cI don&#8217;t think that one size fits all for mesothelioma treatment. We&#8217;re in the days of personalized medicine, so you have to tailor it to the patient.\u201d<\/p>\n<footer>&ndash;<cite> Dr. Raja Flores, Mesothelioma specialist at Mount Sinai Hospital<\/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>To get personalized treatment that meets your needs and wants, it&#8217;s important to work with experienced <a href=\"\/treatment\/doctors\/\">mesothelioma doctors<\/a>. They are dedicated to ensuring you get the best possible results so you can keep fighting this cancer.<\/p>\n<h3>Pursue Mesothelioma Compensation<\/h3>\n<p>Treating mesothelioma can be expensive, sometimes exceeding $400,000. This doesn\u2019t account for related expenses, like travel to doctor appointments and overnight lodging.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Thankfully, you can seek <a href=\"\/legal\/compensation\/\">financial compensation<\/a> from multiple sources:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li><strong><a href=\"\/legal\/asbestos-trust-funds\/\">Asbestos trust funds<\/a>:<\/strong> These funds were set up by bankrupt asbestos companies to compensate those who developed illnesses linked to their products. There is an estimated <strong>$30 billion<\/strong> still available in asbestos trusts today.<\/li>\n<li><strong><a href=\"\/legal\/lawsuit\/\">Mesothelioma lawsuits<\/a>:<\/strong> Filed against asbestos product manufacturers, these lawsuits typically recover <strong>$1.1 million to $1.4 million<\/strong> for families affected by mesothelioma.<\/li>\n<li><strong><a href=\"\/veterans\/va-benefits\/\">VA benefits<\/a>:<\/strong> Asbestos was widely used in the U.S. military prior to the 1980s, leading many veterans to develop this cancer after their service. As of 2026, married veterans with mesothelioma can receive more than <strong>$4,000 in monthly disability<\/strong> from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>While it can feel overwhelming to seek compensation, help is available so you can afford treatment and other expenses and have peace of mind.<\/p>\n<div class=\"blockquote-w-image \"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/survivor-image-arthur.png\" alt=\"\" \/><blockquote><p>\u201cThe compensation also contributed to my positivity. I relaxed a little more. I wasn\u2019t so uptight about how I\u2019m going to pay for this or that. And it\u2019s allowed me to stay with my wife Jan.\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>Our team can help you seek the financial assistance you need. Call <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> now to connect with a Patient Advocate.<\/p>\n<h3>Take Care of Your Physical and Emotional Health<\/h3>\n<p>Many of the <a href=\"\/mesothelioma\/prognosis\/survivors\/\">mesothelioma survivors<\/a> we\u2019ve helped emphasize the importance of holistic wellness, which takes into account nutrition, physical activity, and social and emotional support.<\/p>\n<p><strong>As part of your daily self-care routine, consider exploring:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"\/treatment\/diet-and-nutrition\/\">Diet and nutrition<\/a> changes to fuel your body through treatment and recovery<\/li>\n<li>Exercises like yoga, mindfulness, and gentle movement to keep your body and mind healthy<\/li>\n<li>Hobbies that bring you joy and allow you to engage with others<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"\/resources\/support-groups\/\">Mesothelioma support groups<\/a> or other social and emotional wellness groups to help you feel less alone and connect with those who have experienced similar things<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div class=\"blockquote-w-image \"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/John-Panza-photo-credit-Bryon-Miller.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><blockquote><p>&#8220;I remain in awe of what the human body can endure and still feel \u2018normal.\u2019 My body might look and feel different, but I keep going. And I continue to enjoy travel, music, teaching, and writing.\u201d<\/p>\n<footer>&ndash;<cite> John Panza, 13+ 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>Always remember that positivity and taking care of yourself can <strong>only have a positive impact<\/strong> on your mesothelioma journey.<\/p>\n<h2>Get Help Living Your Best Life With Mesothelioma<\/h2>\n<p>Battling mesothelioma can be overwhelming, but you are never alone. Mesothelioma Hope is here to help you and your family live a normal life despite this diagnosis.<\/p>\n<p>Our Patient Advocates are standing by to help you access the personalized treatment, financial assistance, and supportive care you need.<\/p>\n<p>Call <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> now to talk with us or get a <a href=\"\/mesothelioma-guide\/\"><strong>Free Mesothelioma Guide<\/strong><\/a> for help navigating your diagnosis.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>While mesothelioma is an aggressive cancer, it is possible to live a normal life after a diagnosis. Many patients have survived for years and been able to continue their day-to-day activities with the right treatment. Find out what life with mesothelioma is like and how you can get the support you need to live your&hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":35,"featured_media":23944,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[271],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-23945","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-health-wellness"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/23945","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=23945"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/23945\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/23944"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=23945"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=23945"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=23945"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}