Asbestos exposure is strongly linked as a cause of mesothelioma, a rare and fatal cancer. Especially in its early stages it can be mistaken for pleurisy and other less serious conditions. Malignant mesothelioma can strike in the lining of the lungs (pleural), the abdomen (peritoneal), or the heart area (pericardium). A mesothelioma diagnosis is a devastating event because there is no cure.
If you are considering choosing a complementary therapist, the following suggestions may help:
- Look for a qualified therapist who belongs to a professional association.
- Ask first to make sure you understand what they charge for their services. The professional association should be able to guide you as to what average charges are.
- Talk it over with your doctor or nurse, especially if the therapy includes taking pills or other medicines. You don't necessarily have to take their advice, but you should know what they think about it and give them the opportunity to caution you about any possible drug interactions. Check with your pharmacist about drug interactions as well.
- Ask your doctor or nurse if there are complementary therapies available at your treatment hospital or through your regular doctor's practice, or if they can recommend any therapies or practitioners. Again, you don't have to follow their suggestions, but using people who know each other and work together often is sometimes more convenient.
Photodynamic therapy
Photodynamic therapy is one of the most promising complementary treatments in use. Doctors are using laser light to target and kill cancer cells and to shrink tumors in some cases. It is most effective when used with earlier stage cancers including mesothelioma.
Choosing a complementary therapist is an important process. First, the therapist’s knowledge must be thorough. Preferably, he or she should have experience with lung cancer or mesothelioma treatment. Remember, this therapy is supposed to help you specifically, so your individual needs matter. If you are not sure which type of complementary therapy to choose and would like to know what other patients have found helpful, contact a patient support group. Support groups often offer or can direct you to complementary therapies.
It is designed to help you feel better in general. Don't be misled by promises of cures. Reputable therapists do not claim to be able to cure cancer.
Lung cancer treatment
Traditional lung cancer treatment includes surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. These are direct approaches that aim either to cure or to relieve symptoms and can have many side effects. But you may also wish to consult other practitioners who offer different kinds of complementary treatments. While their work may not address the cause or cure of your disease, their therapies can help you feel better in general, emotionally and physically. By choosing an experienced complementary therapist you may feel a sense of control about your illness that in itself can help you feel better.
Asbestos attorney
While you are choosing a complementary therapist, you should also consult with an experienced asbestos attorney who has had success filing lawsuits. The Hendler Law Firm specializes in helping those who’ve been diagnosed with mesothelioma. Find resources and support on this website. Call us with questions or for a free case evaluation. Corporate misconduct in deliberately exposing workers to the risk of mesothelioma can be punished with financial settlements or court orders to pay victims and their families for their suffering. Call us today at 800.443.6353. Our lines are open 24/7.
Mesothelioma Treatment 