Alternative

Alternative therapies should be used in conjunction with conventional treatments to assist the patient in dealing with pain and stress that usually coincide with a mesothelioma diagnosis. Some options for alternative treatment are:

Accupunture

Acupuncture has been suggested as a palliative form of treatment for patients undergoing chemotherapy. It has shown to decrease nausea, a common complaint of patients undergoing chemotherapy. Acupuncture is used to relieve pain and promote a healthy flow of energy through the body and its use has recently increased in the United States.

This treatment was originally used in China thousands of years ago. It involves the use of extremely thin needles inserted at various points on the body to connect with nerves or meridians. There are some instances where individuals do not respond to this form of treatment, but it is worth trying as many people report feeling energized or calm after treatment and their pain has been relieved as well.

Reflexology

Reflexology has been used in various cultures and historical periods as a form of stress reduction and pain relief. It involves putting pressure using specific hand, thumb and finger techniques to points on the hands and feet.

Some benefits of reflexology are:

  • Relaxation
  • Pain reduction, post-operative recovery
  • Rejuvenation of tired feet
  • Improved blood flow
  • Enhancement of conventional medical care
  • Decrease of common cancer treatment side effects such as nausea and vomiting

Meditation

Meditation is a holistic discipline used to achieve a deeper state of relaxation or awareness. It has been used in various religions and has been practiced for centuries. There are several different ways of meditating and the practice could be used to relieve stress related to a mesothelioma diagnosis.

Yoga

Yoga is a movement form of meditation and can be used by patients to relax their central nervous system. Some benefits of practicing yoga are improved coordination and flexibility, reduced stress and pain relief.

Massage

Massage can be used to alleviate several symptoms patients may be feeling with a mesothelioma diagnosis and treatments, such as:

  • Lessening depression and anxiety
  • Reducing post-surgery adhesions and swelling
  • Releasing endorphins, the body's natural painkiller
  • Enhancing immunity by stimulating lymph flow, the body's natural defense system (Immunity of mesothelioma patients is greatly affected by chemotherapy because it can attack healthy cells in the body)

Herbal & Nutritional Supplements

Doctors and physicians prefer that cancer patients receive their vitamins and minerals in the foods they ingest, but in situations where patients are unable to eat or have a very low appetite supplements play a huge part in the treatment and comfort of the patient. Chemotherapy and radiation treatments can deplete the body of integral nutrients such as iron and protein. This can lead to fatigue and a general unwell feeling for the patient. By taking nutritional and herbal supplements, the patient's immune system can be strengthened to improve the quality of his or her treatment and well being.

Nutritional Resources

Certain symptoms of cancer can make proper nutrition extremely difficult for a patient. However, good nutrition assists the body in fighting off infections and keeping the patient healthy enough to withstand treatment such as chemotherapy and radiation. With the proper combination of vitamins, minerals, carbohydrates, lipids (fats) and proteins, patients can improve their quality of life and strengthen their already weakened immune system. It is important for patients to monitor their weight carefully-not only ensuring that they are not overweight, but to not be underweight as well.

Avoid:

  • Alcohol in excessive amounts
  • Tobacco products
  • "Bad" fats such as saturated and trans fats
  • Processed and prepackaged foods
  • Fast food
  • Buffets-higher chance of picking up bacteria

It is important to eat foods that will strengthen the immune system such as cruciferous vegetables, such as broccoli, and fruits, which naturally have a high amount of fiber.

Below are nutritional suggestions for coping with common cancer symptoms such as anorexia, taste changes, dry mouth and mouth sores and infections:

Anorexia (lack of appetite)

  • Eat small high-protein, high-calorie meals every 1-2 hours
  • Ask for help when preparing meals
  • Add extra calories & protein to food (butter, skim milk powder, honey, brown sugar)
  • Drink liquid supplements such as soup, milk, juices, shakes or smoothies when you can’t eat solids
  • Eat high protein, high calorie snacks throughout the day
  • Have food ready at-hand for when hunger strikes
  • Make breakfast your largest meal of the day
  • Avoid eating food with strong odors
  • Try different recipes to accommodate changing likes and dislikes

Taste Changes

  • Rinse mouth out with water before eating
  • Try eating citrus fruits (oranges, tangerines, lemons, grapefruit) unless mouth sores are present
  • Eat small meals & healthy snacks several times a day when hungry rather than establishing set meal times
  • Use plastic utensils if foods taste metallic
  • Try favorite foods
  • Eat with family and friends
  • Have others prepare the meal
  • Try new foods when feeling best
  • Substitute poultry, fish, eggs, and cheese for red meat
  • Find nonmeat, high-protein recipes in a vegetarian or Chinese cookbook
  • Use sugar-free lemon drops, gum or mints if there is a metallic or bitter taste in the mouth
  • Add spices and sauces to food
  • Eat meat with something sweet, such as cranberry sauce, jelly, or applesauce

Dry Mouth

  • Drink plenty of fluids (about ½ ounce per pound of body weight per day)
  • Eat moist foods with extra sauces, gravies, butter or margarine
  • Suck on hard candy or chew gum
  • Eat frozen desserts (such as frozen grapes and ice pops) or ice chips
  • Clean teeth (including dentures) and rinse mouth at least four times per day (after each meal and before bedtime)
  • Keep water handy at all times to moisten the mouth
  • Choose foods and drinks that are very sweet or tart, to stimulate saliva
  • Avoid mouth rinses containing alcohol
  • Drink fruit nectar instead of juice
  • Use a straw to drink liquids

Mouth Sores and Infections

  • Eat soft foods that are easy to chew and swallow such as bananas, applesauce, cottage cheese, mashed potatoes, macaroni and cheese, puddings, scrambled eggs
  • Use a blender to process vegetables and meats until smooth
  • Avoid rough, course or dry foods such as raw vegetables, granola and toast
  • Avoid spicy, salty or acidic foods
  • Avoid citrus fruits and juices
  • Cook foods until soft and tender
  • Cut foods into small pieces
  • Use a straw to drink liquids
  • Eat foods cold or at room temperature
  • Clean teeth (including dentures) and rinse mouth at least four times per day (after each meal and before bedtime)
  • Add gravy, broth, or sauces to food
  • Drink high-calorie, high-protein drinks in addition to meals
  • Numb the mouth with ice chips or flavored ice pops

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