Alternative Treatments

Choosing how to battle Mesothelioma can be a daunting task.  Most likely, conventional treatments, such as surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation, will be the first options offered to newly diagnosed patients.  Choices should be made carefully and with much thought, considering side effects, recuperation time, and overall quality of life.

Many cancer sufferers also choose to investigate alternative cancer therapies and non-invasive treatments for pain management.  No healthcare provider will suggest the total abandonment of conventional treatment but, especially when chronic pain is involved, they may advocate a few less conventional ways of dealing with the struggles of cancer.  Ultimately, the choice is up to the individual, but many have found the alternative therapies below to be helpful.

Acupuncture

This ancient Chinese practice has only recently been touted as an excellent pain reducer for cancer sufferers but has, for decades, been recognized as a great way to relieve chronic muscle pain.  Even cancer specialists at such renowned hospitals as Memorial-Sloan Kettering are recommending this technique and realizing exceptional results. A recent French study showed a 36% drop in pain level for cancer patients who received regular acupuncture treatments.  Those who bleed easily or are at high-risk for infection, however, should avoid this alternative therapy. 

Massage

Because it increases circulation and relieves stress, massage can be a wonderful way to reduce pain, even for a short amount of time. Massage is also known to aid in reducing fatigue and depression and decreasing nausea.  Furthermore, the touch of another human being offers comfort that no other therapy can match.

Meditation

Because meditation of any kind - spiritual or secular - calms the mind and relaxes the body, it holds many advantages for cancer patients who are not only in pain, but usually suffering from high levels of stress as well.  Meditation has also been shown to possibly improve immune function.  Another advantage of meditation is that anyone can do it as it can be performed in the home with little or no physical exertion and at little or no cost to the patient once meditation techniques are learned.   

Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) Therapy

TENS therapy has been used to successfully treat pain in cancer patients for the last two decades.  This therapy 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.  It is widely believed that this stimulation overrides the brain’s pain messages and prompts the body to produce a morphine-like substance that reduces pain.  TENS therapy is safe for everyone though some patients may feel anxiety related to receiving “electric shocks.”  However, there are few side effects associated with this alternative treatment, making it especially favorable for those who are intolerant of pain medications.

Hypnosis

Though not as popular as previously mentioned alternative therapies, hypnosis has begun to be accepted as yet another way to achieve pain management for cancer patients and those afflicted with other types of chronic pain. Individuals who explore this avenue should be sure that their hypnotherapist is licensed and experienced.

Controlling pain is essential to improving a Mesothelioma patient’s quality of life.  When you’re stricken with cancer, it’s important to live each day to its fullest.  To learn more about treatment options, both conventional and alternative, as well as other important facts about this disease, sign up for our free Mesothelioma Resource Kit, available at this site.