Asbestos & Mesothelioma Law Blog
While there is still no cure for this rare but fatal disease, several treatment options are available, and researchers are continuing to discover new and effective treatment options. With the right treatment option, a mesothelioma patient can live a long productive life.
As a mesothelioma patient, you must play an active role in your health by talking directly to your doctor about treatment options. When you speak directly with your doctor, you can ensure you get the treatment you need and deserve. In this article, we provide some tips for talking with your doctor about mesothelioma treatment options.
Mesothelioma Treatment Options
The following are some of the more common mesothelioma treatment options:
- Surgery – This can be an option for a patient who is young or in better general health. Surgery can also be an option for a person who has discovered their disease in the early stages.
- Chemotherapy – This is a treatment option that works by reducing mesothelioma tumors. Chemotherapy can be used after or before surgery. It can also work independently if surgery is not an option.
- Radiation therapy – This treatment option works by killing cancer cells.
When determining the best mesothelioma treatment for you, your doctor will consider, among other things, the type of mesothelioma and cancer stage.
Tips for Talking With Your Doctor About Mesothelioma Treatment
A mesothelioma specialist is the most qualified type of doctor to talk to about mesothelioma treatment options. So, if you are not seeing a mesothelioma specialist, find one with whom you can discuss treatment options.
When it comes to talking with a mesothelioma specialist about mesothelioma treatment options, you may not understand how to approach the subject. Hopefully, the following tips can help you speak with your doctor about mesothelioma treatment options.
Take Someone With You to Your Next Appointment
The next time you see your mesothelioma doctor, take someone with you. It can be your friend, spouse, or relative. The person you take can act as your advocate. If you experience problems communicating your feelings or thoughts to your doctor, your friend, spouse, or relative can help. Bringing someone with you to your appointment with your doctor might even result in something crucial you had not thought about being brought up.
Write Down Questions Beforehand
The mind can forget, so it is best that you write down any questions you have before your appointment with your doctor. That way, you will ensure that all your concerns are addressed. Some of the questions you can ask a mesothelioma specialist include;
- Would you recommend surgery for my stage of mesothelioma?
- What are the benefits and drawbacks of radiation therapy?
- How long would it take to see results from chemotherapy?
Exercise Patience
If you bring up new treatment options when talking with your doctor about treatment options, it is crucial that you exercise patience if your doctor is cautious. Remember, even if the FDA has approved a new treatment option, there might be more to learn.
Nationwide Mesothelioma Lawyers
If you or a loved one were diagnosed with mesothelioma, contact our office to speak to one of our experienced nationwide mesothelioma attorneys about your situation. Our office can help investigate your case and determine if compensation can be sought from negligent parties to help pay for your medical treatment to help you and your family live a more comfortable life.