Mesothelioma TreatmentOther Therapies
Alternative Therapies
There are many issues to consider when determining how to address your mesothelioma. The side effects of treatments, the recuperation period of surgery, and how any prescribed procedures might affect your quality of life are all things that must be taken into consideration.
Most doctors will first suggest traditional cancer treatments, like chemotherapy or radiation. Many patients, however, will eventually want to look for some other form of treatment often called alternative therapy not only to address the disease itself but to tackle the side effects of treatment, especially chronic pain.
Conventional doctors, such as oncologists, are not always eager to suggest alternative therapies but many patients have found these procedures to be quite helpful as complements to their traditional therapy.
Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) Therapy
For more than 20 years, TENS therapy has been used to treat the intense pain that often accompanies cancers such as mesothelioma. Many patients report positive results from this treatment, which involves placing electrodes on the skin in key areas along the nerve pathway. A tiny battery-powered generator then emits a small amount of electricity through lead wires to the electrodes. Experts believe that the stimulation produced by TENS therapy overrides pain messages to the brain and encourages the body to produce a substance similar to morphine which, in turn, reduces pain.
Though TENS therapy has been pronounced safe for all, receiving electric shocks can make some patients feel anxious. Very few side effects, however, have been associated with this type of therapy and, unlike traditional pain medications, it doesnt cause digestive system problems or other concerns associated with common pain meds.
Massage
For many, massages are a great way to pamper your body and an ideal form of relaxation. The same can be true for cancer patients. Massages relieve stress and increase circulation, making them an excellent short-term solution for pain relief. Experts have also proven that massage aids in reducing fatigue and depression. Furthermore, it also decreases nausea, a common problem for those undergoing chemotherapy. Others will contend that the human touch is by far the best therapy offered to a cancer patient.
Acupuncture
For decades, devotees of the ancient Chinese practice of acupuncture have recognized its pain-relieving qualities. More recently, it has been deemed an excellent option for pain reduction among cancer patients. Studies have shown significant drops in pain level for those cancer patients who are receiving acupuncture treatments on a regular basis. Even traditional doctors are turning to acupuncture for their patients who are experiencing a large amount of pain associated with cancer. Theyre delighted with the results.
Just about anyone can receive acupuncture treatments, but if you have an aversion to needles, are prone to infection, or bleed easily, you may want to consider a different option.
Hypnosis
Hypnosis has become a recognized therapy for a number of medical-related issues, from smoking cessation to pain reduction. A licensed hypnotherapist who is experienced with cancer patients may be able to help you find relief from the everyday pain associated with your mesothelioma.
Meditation
The use of meditation can be two-fold. It can both relax the body and calm the mind. Both of these can be advantageous for the cancer patient who may be in both physical and mental distress. Some studies have also shown that meditation improves immune function. It takes little energy to meditate and most patients after some initial guidance can meditate at home, in their hospital bed, or wherever else they happen to be.
Maintaining quality of life is often a mesothelioma patients major concern. Even conventional treatments meant to assist you can add to pain and suffering, resulting in the need to find relief. While alternative therapies can help, to ensure your safety, be sure that those that need to be administered are done so by licensed professionals.
