Mesothelioma Pain Management: An Informational Webinar
Patients who are undergoing treatment for mesothelioma tend to experience many different types of pain. Patients, caregivers, family and friends should know how to recognize the signs of pain and discomfort and what to do before it becomes too difficult to manage.
The Mesothelioma Center at Asbestos.com will be hosting an informational session to answer your questions on pain management for mesothelioma patients.
On Tuesday, May 11, at 7 p.m. EDT, Karen Selby, RN, and I will be answering questions during a live session. Following the live webinar, a recording will be available for those unable to attend.
The presentation will cover cancer pain management strategies specifically for those affected by mesothelioma.
Pain Management Webinar Overview
As two registered nurses with almost two decades of combined experience helping cancer patients through their pain and treatment, Selby and I will review the many ways that oncologists and pain management doctors treat mesothelioma pain.
Topics will include:
- How to recognize and track pain as a patient or family member
- Common medications and medical procedures used to manage cancer pain
- Complementary and alternative therapies
- Personal wellness techniques
- Strategies for caregivers to help reduce their loved one’s pain
We will also explore the types of pain and side effects caused by common mesothelioma treatments, including chemotherapy, radiation, surgery and immunotherapy.
Caregivers, friends and family members will learn how to recognize the first signs of pain and distress, which is critical for early pain management.
Mesothelioma patients will learn when and how to use various cancer pain management strategies, including:
- Over-the-counter medications
- Prescription medications
- Medical cannabis
- Palliative and hospice care
- Diet and exercise
- Mind-body therapies
Complete pain management involves a well-rounded and comprehensive approach. Pain management and mesothelioma specialists examine all possible therapies to create a personalized pain treatment plan for each patient.
It’s not uncommon for a mesothelioma pain management plan to involve a combination of prescription medications, palliative care, at-home exercises and changes in diet.
Mesothelioma patients should know how these therapies work together to manage pain and what to do if pain changes or worsens.
Talking About Pain Management with Your Doctor
An essential first step in pain management is starting a discussion with your doctor. Many patients may feel unprepared or embarrassed to talk about their pain.
Webinar attendees will learn how doctors use the pain scale and how variations of mesothelioma cause different types of pain.
Examples of printouts, trackers and other resources that patients can use to track and measure their pain will be provided. These can help make a discussion with the doctor much easier.
With the proper knowledge, mesothelioma patients and their doctors can develop a pain management plan that prevents cancer distress from becoming overwhelming.
Background on the Experts
Karen Selby, RN
Karen Selby is a registered nurse with decades of experience in thoracic surgery, assisting doctors through complicated lung-related surgeries such as lung resections and transplants. As a Patient Advocate at The Mesothelioma Center, she connects mesothelioma patients and their caregivers with the tools and resources they need to overcome this terrible disease.
Selby is also a member of the Academy of Oncology Nurse & Patient Navigators and joined The Mesothelioma Center in 2009. Her years of practice have taught her that patients experience pain in many different ways. She recognizes that every person deserves a personalized treatment and pain management plan.
Selby helps patients find hope and strength by offering her expert advice across the hundreds of pieces she’s written on the best health practices for mesothelioma patients. Through this latest webinar, she believes patients and caregivers will find new ways to tackle cancer pain and the emotional burden that comes with mesothelioma.
Sean Marchese, MS, RN
Sean Marchese is a registered nurse and oncology writer for The Mesothelioma Center at Asbestos.com. He earned a Bachelor of Science in microbiology and cell science in 2010 and graduated with a Master of Science in medical sciences in 2012. Marchese has assisted cancer patients as a neurosurgical nurse and an oncology clinical research coordinator.
He has over three years of direct pain management experience, helping cancer patients and many others with chronic pain from injury and disease. Since joining The Mesothelioma Center, Marchese has helped provide patients with the guidance and knowledge they need to navigate the pain and distress of a mesothelioma diagnosis.
Marchese has authored several informational pieces for patients and caregivers on cancer treatment, health and safety. By sharing his insight in this pain management webinar, he hopes patients and caregivers will discover new pain control techniques and therapies and find the encouragement they need to manage their mesothelioma pain.