Making the Best Treatment Decisions | Online Support Group
-
Upload
the-mesothelioma-center-at-asbestoscom -
Category
Health & Medicine
-
view
642 -
download
3
Transcript of Making the Best Treatment Decisions | Online Support Group
Making the Best Treatment Decision for You
Dana Nolan, MS LMHCLicensed Mental Health Counselor
Decisions, Decisions…
Mesothelioma patients may be offered more than one option from their oncologist when they are diagnosed.
Options are great. Options can be overwhelming, too! Some patients feel stressed and anxious when
considering what to do.
(800) 615-2270
Finding Your Own Way
There is no “right” answer for everyone. All mesothelioma patients are very different in terms of their disease and what is important to them.
The first step to making the right treatment decision for you is “understanding.”
(800) 615-2270
Understanding Your Disease
What type of mesothelioma do you have? Where is your disease exactly? If you have pleural mesothelioma, your disease
can be staged with the traditional staging method using stage I, II, III or IV.
Depending on the spread of disease, your cancer may be described as resectable (able to be removed) or unresectable.
(800) 615-2270
Understanding Your Treatment Options
You may be offered one or more of the following treatment options: Surgery Radiation Therapy Chemotherapy
Either one drug or a combination Biological Therapy Active Surveillance (also called
watchful waiting)
(800) 615-2270
Understanding YOU
Once you understand your disease and your treatment options very well, then it is important to understand YOU!
There are many questions to consider and discuss with your loved ones.
(800) 615-2270
Personal Considerations
What are your treatment goals? How do you define your quality
of life? Who is in your life to help you
emotionally? Practically? Financially?
What are your strengths and resources?
(800) 615-2270
Physical Considerations How is your overall health or
performance status? Heart disease, diabetes, breathing
problems, mobility issues, energy level other diagnoses?
It is important to consider how a particular mesothelioma treatment option would be tolerated in conjunction with your other health issues.
(800) 615-2270
Personal Considerations
Quality of Life: Subjective concept that is broad and multidimensional. Varies from person-to-person and encompasses
factors such as functional status, social support, financial well-being, freedom from pain (physical and emotional), etc.
Only the patient can define and asses their quality of life in relation to how they are coping with mesothelioma.
(800) 615-2270
What Is Life Worth Living? Each time your oncologist offers
a treatment option, it is important to weigh the expected benefit of treatment with the risks and side effects of treatment.
Keep track of your energy, pain levels and other side effects to help patients and physicians evaluate how much the treatment is impacting quality of life.
(800) 615-2270
Loved Ones
At times, loved ones may have different opinions about what treatments the patient should have.
When the patient and their loved ones do not agree on treatment decisions, it can lead to relationship strain.
Ultimately, the patient is in charge of their body and treatment decisions.
(800) 615-2270
Resources About Treatment Decisions
http://www.cancer.org/treatment/findingandpayingfortreatment/treatmentdecisiontoolsandworksheets/treatment-decision-tools-and-worksheets-landing
http://www.cancer.net/navigating-cancer-care/how-cancer-treated/making-decisions-about-cancer-treatment
(800) 615-2270
Contact Information
1-800-615-2270
(800) 615-2270