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The treatments to destroy cancer cells can harm healthy cells at the same time, and that means treatment can cause side effects.
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Treating your cancer to get the best results is important. But your quality of life also matters. Let your doctor and nurse know if you are experiencing any side effects or discomfort. Make sure you tell your doctor or nurse how these problems affect your day-to-day life. Your healthcare team is there to help you manage your symptoms as well as to treat your cancer.
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Dealing with your feelings is often easier as you learn more about the cancer and get support from others. Your healthcare team can answer your questions. Talking with friends and family or others who have had cancer can help. Meeting with a social worker, counselor, or member of the clergy may also help you talk about your feelings. Recognizing your feelings can help you cope with them, and that in turn may help ease some of your symptoms and side effects. Pain, for instance, gets worse with stress. Many people with cancer attend support groups where they share what they've learned about cancer and its treatments. Here are some ways you may find support.
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It's likely that you will have physical concerns since your cancer may cause symptoms and your treatment may cause side effects. In this section, you'll learn more about how to respond to some of the most common side effects and symptoms from treating malignant mesothelioma.
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Radiation therapy can help you in your fight against cancer. To feel better, get plenty of rest, exercise, and eat well. This will give your body the extra strength it needs right now. Also, look to family and friends for support and comfort.
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Having side effects of radiation therapy does not mean that your cancer is getting worse or that therapy isn't working.
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TIP: Ask a family member or friend to give you some help applying lotion in hard-to-reach spots.
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Chemotherapy can reduce the number of red blood cells in your body. When you have too few of these cells, anemia can result. Anemia has many symptoms. Talk to your health care provider if you have any of the signs listed here. You may need treatment.
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