Understanding Your Prescriptions

Mesothelioma is a deadly form of cancer that affects the mesothelium, the membrane that surrounds the body’s vital organs. This type of cancer results from exposure to the building material called asbestos. Asbestos has not been used in decades due to safety reasons, but the symptoms often take up to 30 years after the initial exposure to fully manifest. Nearly 3,000 Americans are diagnosed with mesothelioma each year.

Unfortunately, there is currently no cure for mesothelioma. There are, however, many treatment options available. These treatments are designed to slow the progress of the cancer and to alleviate any discomfort that may be a result of the disease.

It is important to see a doctor as soon as the symptoms of mesothelioma manifest themselves. The symptoms can include:

• Shortness of breath
• Chest pain
• Weight loss
• Cough
• Fever
• Loss of appetite
• Hemoptysis (coughing up blood)
• Dysphagia (difficulty swallowing)

Unfortunately many of these symptoms are shared with other diseases. It is best to go to a doctor quickly and get an accurate diagnosis. The longer you wait before beginning treatment, the more difficult the entire process will be. Do not take any chances if you think you might have been exposed to asbestos and be at risk for mesothelioma.

If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, your doctor will want to begin treatment right away. The most important step in beginning your treatment is to communicate with your physician. At all stages of treatment you should try to maintain an open line of communication with your medical care givers. You should be able to ask questions about your condition or treatment plan, such as your prognosis, new available treatments, and the management of treatment side effects. Also you should ask about the proper nutritional diet to maintain during your treatments. Like most cancers and cancer treatments, mesothelioma and certain medications will affect your appetite. It is important to maintain a proper nutritional diet to keep your body’s strength.

You should also discuss your medical history with any doctor that is in charge of prescribing you medications. This is especially true if it is the first time you have seen this particular physician. I would be beneficial to make a list of all the medications you are currently (or have recently) taken. This would include not only prescription medications, but also over the counter medications, herbal supplements, and nutritional supplements. It is important for the physicians to have this information as many medications interact with each other. This could result in an adverse affect in regards to the treatment. In some cases this could result in more discomfort or worse the condition all together.

Another helpful list to make is a list of questions that you have for your physician. Many doctors encourage this as it helps keep the effective line of communication open between patient and physician. Update this list as often as you have a question. Being diagnosed with mesothelioma is difficult to deal with, but making a list of questions can help to make sure you do not forget anything at your appointments.

It is imperative to never miss an appointment during any stage of treatment.

Like most forms of cancer treatment, chemotherapy is one of the most common approaches to dealing with mesothelioma. Chemotherapy is generally used in conjunction with other types of medication. There are several types of medication available and more continue to be developed. Some of the most common medications currently used for mesothelioma treatment include:

• Pemetrexed – Chemotherapy drug. This is used to slow the spread of cancer cells. Permetrexed has been shown to both decrease pain and extend the life span of the patients who use it.
• Cisplatin – Slows or stops the growth of cancer cells. This has been shown to be a very effective treatment for mesothelioma, but must be monitored carefully as overuse can be fatal. Cisplatin has been shown to be especially effective when used in conjunction with Pemetrexed.
• Endostatin – Slows the growth of cancer cells by depriving them of their blood supply. Cancer cells rely on a large number of blood vessels to grow. If they are deprived of this blood supply, they will cease growing.
• Gemcitabine –This medication is an antimetabolite. That means that it prevents the production of the proteins that tumors require for growth. This can be used on both pancreatic cancers and lung cancers (such as mesothelioma). This medication is given to patients intravenously.
• Epirubicin – This medication is an antineoplastic. This medication allows the body to kill the cancer cells, thus slowing their growth. This medication is usually given by injection.
• Intrapleural Interferon Gamma – This medication is injected directly into the lung cavity. This is most effective in the early stages of mesothelioma. It works by diffusing the malignant mesothelioma. There is still more to learn about this medication, as it is not completely understood currently. Some side effects, such as fatigue, headache, joint pain, muscle pain, nausea, and discomfort at the injection site may occur.
• Doxorubicin – This medication is also an antineoplastic designed to slow the growth and spread of cancer cells. It can be administered in a clinic, office, or hospital.

Other, more effective, medications are constantly being researched and developed. It is important for those who have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, or have a loved one who has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, to have a solid understanding of all the prescription medications that are available. By understanding the symptoms, the medications, and the treatments, one can better face the trial and tribulations of undergoing the treatment. It is important to not lose hope.