On Monday, March 12th, CancerCare.org hosted a free educational workshop specifically addressing the needs of “people living with mesothelioma, their families, partners, caregivers, friends and health care professionals.”
Although the date of the program has passed, the workshop is available online, and provides valuable information on advances in the treatment of this rare and fatal form of cancer.
CancerCare’s focus is not exclusively on mesothelioma. The nearly-75-year-old organization’s mission is to provide free support and information geared towards providing for the emotional, practical and financial needs of those dealing with all types of cancer.
Their services are provided by leading cancer experts as well as oncology social workers. The entity’s educational workshops allow people to get the most up-to-date information on cancer treatments via telephone or live streaming, and they remain available on the organization’s website long after the live date. The mesothelioma program addressed several topics, including:
- Overview of Mesothelioma
- Treatment Choices
- The Role of Clinical Trials
- Managing Side Effects, Discomfort and Pain
- Communicating with Your Health Care Team about Quality-of-Life and Lifestyle Concerns
- Physical Activity Issues and Tips
The live session also featured a question and answer session during which patients were able to submit their inquires to the assembled medical experts. Speakers included physicians, including Dr. Hedy Kindler, Director of the Mesothelioma Program at the University of Chicago Comprehensive Cancer Center. Also participating were a nurse specialist and a specialist in social services.
Much of what was discussed during the mesothelioma teleconference was the importance of communicating about side effects, as well as various coping strategies for ensuring that patients focus on the things in their life that bring them joy.
Donna Wilson, a pulmonary clinical nurse specialist and fitness coordinator at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center stressed the importance of managing fatigue and remaining active. A great deal of time was spent discussing the newest findings on customized treatment plans designed by mesothelioma specialists who can create the right multimodality therapy for each individual patient.
If you need information on getting the best mesothelioma treatment and support, the compassionate and experienced Patient Advocates at Mesothelioma.net can help. Contact us today at 1-800-692-8608.
