A mesothelioma diagnosis can be overwhelming, not only for the individual but also for their family. This rare and aggressive cancer develops in the mesothelium, the thin layer of tissue surrounding internal organs. While mesothelioma often progresses quickly and has a low survival rate, early detection and proper treatment can help improve quality of life.
For families navigating this challenging journey, understanding the symptoms and risk factors, along with exploring options like personal care at home services, can make a significant difference in providing comfort and support.
Mesothelioma Symptoms
The symptoms of mesothelioma depend upon which organ is affected by it. While it can occur in many places throughout the body, the two most common locations for the cancerous cells to grow are the lungs and the belly.
Mesothelioma Symptoms of the Lung (known as Pleural mesothelioma)
- Lumps or bumps that develop under the skin of the chest area
- Chest pain
- Painful coughing
- Difficulty catching your breath
- Extreme tiredness that doesn’t go away with rest
- Weight loss without making an effort to lose weight
Mesothelioma Symptoms of the Belly (known as Peritoneal mesothelioma)
- Pain in the belly region
- A swollen belly
- Throwing up or feeling nauseous
- Extreme fatigue
- Unexplained weight loss
Risk Factors Associated with Mesothelioma
It isn’t clear what causes mesothelioma, but one theory is that asbestos exposure can lead to it. Not everyone who has multiple or long-term exposure will get mesothelioma, but for those who have developed the disease, asbestos exposure is often a common factor for many of them.
The dust that is formed from asbestos often gets inhaled or breathed in by those who are in an environment that contains asbestos and those fibers settle in the lungs and/or stomach.
If your loved one has any of these risk factors, plus the above symptoms, his doctor should check him for mesothelioma.
- Having lived in a home with asbestos or worked in a job that might have high levels of asbestos like a home builder or car mechanic.
- Has lived with someone who worked in those environments. Often the worker brings home the fibers on his/her clothes.
- Has a family history of mesothelioma.
- Has received radiation to the chest for another condition.
Providing Personal Care at Home Can Ease Stress
Having a major health crisis like mesothelioma can create a lot of stress for the caregiver as well as the patient. You both might be worried about how things will be taken care of at home while your loved one goes through a long and often exhausting treatment plan. A personal care at home provider can step in and help fill the gaps that the caregiver needs a bit of respite from.
A personal care at home provider can help your loved one with grooming chores such as bathing or having her hair done. If your loved one has been asked to stick to a specific diet, personal care at home providers can manage her meals and ensure she gets just what the doctor ordered to help her stay strong during her treatment cycle.
With these important parts of the senior care of your loved one taken care of by a personal care at home provider, the family caregiver can focus on other important aspects of the loved one’s care.
If you or an aging loved one are considering Personal Care at Home in Orinda, CA, please contact the caring staff at Aviva In-Home Care today at (415) 463-1400
Aviva In-Home Care provides exceptional senior home care in the Bay Area, including San Francisco, Burlingame, San Mateo, Hillsborough, Atherton, Menlo Park, Palo Alto, Berkeley, Lafayette, Orinda, and surrounding areas.
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