Aftercare: Ancillary Health Care for Mesothelioma

Dana Nolan, MS LMHCLicensed Mental Health Counselor

Who Helps Patients During and After Treatment for Mesothelioma?

Doctors and nurses are the most familiar and common health care providers in mesothelioma care.

However, it takes a multidisciplinary team of health care professionals to supervise a patient’s complex mesothelioma issues.

We will discuss the roles of ancillary care and home health care for mesothelioma patients.

(800) 615-2270

Issues Requiring Attention During and After Mesothelioma Treatment

Weight loss or gain or changes in taste Fatigue Swelling/fluid buildup after surgery Numbness/weakness in extremities

Difficulty breathing/weak lungs Trouble swallowing Homebound/immobility Anxiety/depression

(800) 615-2270

Role of Ancillary Health Care Staff

Oncologists and their nurses are not experts in nutrition, physical therapy rehabilitation or mental health care.

Ancillary healthcare members have received advanced training/education and certification or licensure in their area of expertise.

(800) 615-2270

Who Helps Oncologists Care for Mesothelioma Patients?

Physical Therapists Occupational Therapists Registered Dietitians Speech/Language Therapists Respiratory Therapists Lymphedema Specialists Clinical Social Workers/Mental

Health Counselors/Psychologists

(800) 615-2270

Physical Therapy

Provide assessment and treatment to help mesothelioma patients:

Maintain strength Decrease fatigue levels Minimize pain Maximize function (balance, mobility) Physical

therapists are well-trained (master’s or doctorate) and require a state license to practice.

(800) 615-2270

Registered Dietitian Identify patients at risk of malnutrition or weight

loss from mesothelioma treatment. Maintain nutritional intake during and after

treatment. Advice on nutritional supplements, tube feeding

and menu planning. Have a master’s degree or doctorate degree in

dietetics and nutrition. There is an additional certification (CSO) in

oncology nutrition offered by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

(800) 615-2270

Speech or Language Pathologist

Assess and diagnose problems with swallowing and speech in mesothelioma patients.

Help patients with swallowing and cancer-related speech difficulties.

Have a master’s degree or doctorate degree in Speech and Language Pathology.

(800) 615-2270

Occupational Therapy

When cancer treatment leaves patients with side effects such as weakness, numbness, pain or cognitive disabilities, an occupational therapist can help:

Teach patients how to conserve energy and function better in their environment

Use assistive devices and technology to help patients dress, eat, shower, etc.

Set up routines to improve memory and cognitive functions.

Occupational therapists have either a master’s degree or doctorate degree in occupational therapy.

(800) 615-2270

Lymphedema Treatment

Surgery or radiation can affect a patient’s lymphatic system, which can lead to swelling because lymphatic fluid can’t drain properly.

Lymphadema therapists are trained in lymphatic drainage massage and help patients with wrapping the affected area to prevent further fluid buildup.

(800) 615-2270

Lymphedema Therapist

In order to become a lymphedema specialist, you first would need to be a: Registered nurse, occupational therapist, physical

therapist, physician, athletic trainer, chiropractor or massage therapist.

Further training in lymphatic prevention and treatment is also required to become a LANA certified therapist.

(800) 615-2270

Respiratory Therapy

Many patients with mesothelioma have difficulty breathing because of the cancer or side effects of treatment.

Respiratory therapists help patients improve lung function with a variety of educational and rehabilitation techniques.

Respiratory therapists have either an associate or bachelor’s degree in respiratory care.

(800) 615-2270

Mental Health Providers Psychological and social issues often arise in

mesothelioma treatment in patients AND caregivers.

Psychologists, mental health counselors or clinical social workers are able to help patients and their loved ones with: Anxiety /Fear Family relationship issuesDepressionBody image/self-esteem

(800) 615-2270

Mental Health Providers (Cont.)

Psychologists have received their doctorate degree in clinical psychology.

Mental health counselors have a master’s degree in clinical psychology.

Clinical social workers have a master’s degree in clinical social work.

(800) 615-2270

Home Health Care (HHC)

When mesothelioma patients are homebound but still require care related to their treatment, home health care providers may be utilized.

HHC staff include: RNs, LPNs, physical

therapists, occupational therapists or speech therapists

(800) 615-2270

Who Pays for Ancillary Care? Depends upon the coverage of your health plan. Most insurances cover some rehab services like

PT/OT, lymphedema treatment and home health care for a limited time with doctors orders.

Some insurances (private, Medicare or Medicaid) will cover mental health services or meeting with a registered dietitian.

Some comprehensive cancer centers offer ancillary services as part of their care: Mental health counseling or dietary counseling.

(800) 615-2270

Should I Ask?

You may need to ask your oncologist or surgeon for a referral for ancillary services.

They may not be aware you are struggling with weakness, swelling, depression or need for home health care unless you bring it up.

If they feel it would be helpful, they can assist in referring you to the appropriate ancillary health care provider.

(800) 615-2270

Contact Information

1-800-615-2270

(800) 615-2270