There is still no cure for mesothelioma. However, there are several treatment options for this type of cancer. One of the ways to treat mesothelioma is through chemotherapy. Mesothelioma chemotherapy is a treatment that uses chemicals. This form of treatment involves taking drugs that kill cancer cells and prevent them from multiplying. Chemotherapy can be administered alone or in combination with other treatment options, such as surgery or radiation therapy.
Unfortunately, many myths abound about chemotherapy. It is crucial that mesothelioma patients and their families understand the truth about chemotherapy and avoid falling for myths about this form of treatment. At Throneberry Law Group, we have taken it upon ourselves to educate mesothelioma patients and their families about chemotherapy. Below, we debunk some of the most common myths about chemotherapy.
Myth #1: Chemotherapy is an Outdated Treatment
Some people believe that chemo is an outdated treatment. They believe that nowadays, it is all about immunotherapy. Immunotherapy is a type of treatment that helps the immune system fight cancer. However, while immunotherapy can be an effective mesothelioma treatment, it does not mean chemotherapy is outdated. Chemotherapy is still a standard treatment relied upon by doctors. For many patients, chemo is still the best option.
Myth #2: Chemotherapy is Not for Older People
Chemotherapy is not only meant for young people. Even older people can undergo chemotherapy if their doctors recommend this form of treatment. However, a patient’s age may impact the kind of chemotherapy treatment they undergo.
Myth #3: I Will Lose All My Hair
Indeed, chemotherapy can cause hair loss. However, some chemotherapy drugs do not cause hair loss.
Additionally, for patients at risk of hair loss, an option that might help is scalp cooling. Scalp cooling has been used in the U.S. since the FDA approved scalp cooling machines in 2015. A qualified doctor can explain scalp cooling to you, but generally, this form of therapy reduces the damage that chemo causes to hair follicles. Scalp cooling therapy uses a cooling cap that covers the patient’s hair and has cold liquid circulating through it.
Myth #4: If You Do Not Lose Your Hair, it Means the Treatment is Not Working
Hair loss is common during chemotherapy. However, as already mentioned, not all chemotherapy drugs cause hair loss, which means not every patient will experience hair loss. Therefore, hair loss has nothing to do with whether chemotherapy is working or not.
Myth #5: You Cannot Have Children After Chemotherapy
This myth originates from the fact that most women stop menstruating after they start chemotherapy. However, according to specialists, women who are in their 20s, 30s, or even early 40s often start menstruating again after they are done with chemotherapy. Also, doctors put in a lot of effort to help patients remain fertile. For example, women can freeze their eggs.
Nationwide Mesothelioma Lawyers
If you or a loved one were diagnosed with mesothelioma, contact our office to speak to one of our experienced nationwide mesothelioma attorneys about your situation. Our office can help investigate your case and determine if compensation can be sought from negligent parties to help pay for your medical treatment.