It is unfortunate fact that peritoneal mesothelioma is often diagnosed late. It is diagnosed when it is quite advanced. Some people may be too ill to cope with intensive chemotherapy. But you can still have treatment to try to relieve symptoms such as pain, weight loss and fluid in the abdomen.
In peritoneal mesothelioma, fluid collects inside your abdomen. If too much fluid collects, it makes your abdomen swell. This can be uncomfortable and heavy.
Check ups
After your treatment has finished, how often you need a check up will depend on the hospitals guidelines, and also on your situation. Tests you might have include
Blood investigations
X-rays
CT scans
You will not have all these tests every time you go to the hospital. But you might be examined at each appointment and you may
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have a routine X-ray. You will be asked how you are feeling and asked if you have any new symptoms. You may only be offered scans if there is a symptom that you or the doctor are concerned about.
After surgery, it is usual to see the surgeon after about 4 to 6 weeks and then 3 monthly if all is well. After chemotherapy or radiotherapy your check ups will be every 2 months or so at first. You may see your doctor or a specialist nurse. If all is well your outpatient appointments will gradually become less often.
Talking to someone
Many people find their check ups quite worrying. If you are feeling well and getting on with your life, a hospital appointment can bring back all the worry about having cancer. You may find it helpful to tell someone close to you how you are feeling. If you are able to share your worries, they may not seem quite so bad.
have a routine X-ray. You will be asked how you are feeling and asked if you have any new symptoms. You may only be offered scans if there is a symptom that you or the doctor are concerned about.
After surgery, it is usual to see the surgeon after about 4 to 6 weeks and then 3 monthly if all is well. After chemotherapy or radiotherapy your check ups will be every 2 months or so at first. You may see your doctor or a specialist nurse. If all is well your outpatient appointments will gradually become less often.
Talking to someone
Many people find their check ups quite worrying. If you are feeling well and getting on with your life, a hospital appointment can bring back all the worry about having cancer. You may find it helpful to tell someone close to you how you are feeling. If you are able to share your worries, they may not seem quite so bad.
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What to do if you have new symptoms
If you are worried or notice any new symptoms between appointments let your doctor or specialist nurse know straight away. You don't have to wait until the next appointment. Your doctor or nurse would rather know if something is worrying you.
You may prefer to talk to someone outside your circle of family and friends. You could try talking to someone at your local church or place of worship. Or someone at a cancer support group who may have been through similar experiences. It is quite common nowadays for people to have counselling after cancer treatment. To find out more about counselling, look in the CancerHelp UK coping with cancer section.
You can look at our list of mesothelioma organisations for people who can help to put you in touch with a support group. Our mesothelioma reading list also has details of books and leaflets about coping with mesothelioma.
What can you tell me about mesothelioma?
When will you know how well the treatment has worked?
What will you be able to tell me?
How often will you see me after treatment has finished?
What should I do if I am worried between appointments?
What side effects will there be?
What stage is it?
Is there a choice of treatment?
How long will treatment last?
Will I have to have any surgery or radiotherapy or chemotherapy?
Are there any clinical trials that you would recommend for me?
What sort of treatment do you recommend?
What is the aim of the treatment?
Is there anything I can do to help reduce the side effects?
Will I be able to have more treatment if the mesothelioma comes back?
Are there any experimental treatments that might help?
What to do if you have new symptoms
If you are worried or notice any new symptoms between appointments let your doctor or specialist nurse know straight away. You don't have to wait until the next appointment. Your doctor or nurse would rather know if something is worrying you.
You may prefer to talk to someone outside your circle of family and friends. You could try talking to someone at your local church or place of worship. Or someone at a cancer support group who may have been through similar experiences. It is quite common nowadays for people to have counselling after cancer treatment. To find out more about counselling, look in the CancerHelp UK coping with cancer section.
You can look at our list of mesothelioma organisations for people who can help to put you in touch with a support group. Our mesothelioma reading list also has details of books and leaflets about coping with mesothelioma.
What can you tell me about mesothelioma?
When will you know how well the treatment has worked?
What will you be able to tell me?
How often will you see me after treatment has finished?
What should I do if I am worried between appointments?
What side effects will there be?
What stage is it?
Is there a choice of treatment?
How long will treatment last?
Will I have to have any surgery or radiotherapy or chemotherapy?
Are there any clinical trials that you would recommend for me?
What sort of treatment do you recommend?
What is the aim of the treatment?
Is there anything I can do to help reduce the side effects?
Will I be able to have more treatment if the mesothelioma comes back?
Are there any experimental treatments that might help?
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