Mesothelioma Pain Management: An Informational Webinar

Treatment & Doctors
Reading Time: 4 mins
Publication Date: 04/28/2021
Fact Checked
Our fact-checking process begins with a thorough review of all sources to ensure they are high quality. Then we cross-check the facts with original medical or scientific reports published by those sources, or we validate the facts with reputable news organizations, medical and scientific experts and other health experts. Each page includes all sources for full transparency.
Reviewed

Asbestos.com is the nation’s most trusted mesothelioma resource

The Mesothelioma Center at Asbestos.com has provided patients and their loved ones the most updated and reliable information on mesothelioma and asbestos exposure since 2006.

Our team of Patient Advocates includes a medical doctor, a registered nurse, health services administrators, veterans, VA-accredited Claims Agents, an oncology patient navigator and hospice care expert. Their combined expertise means we help any mesothelioma patient or loved one through every step of their cancer journey.

More than 30 contributors, including mesothelioma doctors, survivors, health care professionals and other experts, have peer-reviewed our website and written unique research-driven articles to ensure you get the highest-quality medical and health information.

About The Mesothelioma Center at Asbestos.com

  • Assisting mesothelioma patients and their loved ones since 2006.
  • Helps more than 50% of mesothelioma patients diagnosed annually in the U.S.
  • A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau.
  • 5-star reviewed mesothelioma and support organization.
Learn More About Us

Testimonials

My family has only the highest compliment for the assistance and support that we received from The Mesothelioma Center. This is a staff of compassionate and knowledgeable individuals who respect what your family is experiencing and who go the extra mile to make an unfortunate diagnosis less stressful. Information and assistance were provided by The Mesothelioma Center at no cost to our family.
Lashawn
Mesothelioma patient’s daughter
  • Google Review Rating
  • BBB Review Rating

How to Cite Asbestos.com’s Article

APA

Marchese, S. (2023, March 13). Mesothelioma Pain Management: An Informational Webinar. Asbestos.com. Retrieved June 8, 2023, from https://www.asbestos.com/blog/2021/04/28/mesothelioma-pain-management-webinar/

MLA

Marchese, Sean. "Mesothelioma Pain Management: An Informational Webinar." Asbestos.com, 13 Mar 2023, https://www.asbestos.com/blog/2021/04/28/mesothelioma-pain-management-webinar/.

Chicago

Marchese, Sean. "Mesothelioma Pain Management: An Informational Webinar." Asbestos.com. Last modified March 13, 2023. https://www.asbestos.com/blog/2021/04/28/mesothelioma-pain-management-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.

people watching webinar on laptops
Learn How to Manage Cancer Pain
Get the latest tips in this free webinar hosted by top mesothelioma experts.

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.

open book icon vector illustration
Medically Reviewed by Top Mesothelioma Doctors
Free Mesothelioma Guide