Body Image and Mesothelioma

Dana Nolan, MS LMHCLicensed Mental Health Counselor

What Is Body Image?

How we feel and think about our appearance.

It encompasses how our

body looks and moves.

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Identity, Body Image and Illness

Our body image contributes to our identity and our self-esteem.

A serious medical condition like

mesothelioma affects how we look on the outside, how we behave and how we feel about ourselves on the inside.

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Physical Effects of Mesothelioma

Scarring from surgery or procedures

Swelling from steroids, surgery or lymphedema

Weight loss or weight gain

Hair loss or thinning Changes in appearance of skin (bruising, skin

tone changes)

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Physical Effects of Mesothelioma (Cont.)

Lowers energy or ability to walk at normal pace

Problems with balance and agility

Wearing oxygen cannulla

Port-a-cath

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Identity as a “Healthy Person”

Prior to mesothelioma diagnosis, many

people identified themselves as healthy

and able-bodied individuals.

Looking “sick” can lead to feeling self-

conscious, low self-esteem and being

treated differently by family and friends.

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Poor Body Image and Quality of Life

Signs that poor body image is affecting a mesothelioma patient’s quality of life:

Social isolation (doesn’t want anyone to see them looking ill) Shame at weight loss or gain Doesn’t want partner or spouse to see their body

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Improving Body Image

Remind yourself that many mesothelioma-related physical changes are temporary:

Hair will grow back

Weight will stabilize

Scars will fade

Swelling will go away

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Improving Body Image (Cont.)

Expect that family and friends will comment on or ask about changes in your appearance. It’s normal.

However, you may not want to answer every question about how you look, and it is okay to tell them you’d rather not talk about it.

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Improving Body Image (Cont.)

Ask an oncologist or surgeon what to expect regarding expected treatment-related physical changes. Will chemo make my hair fall out? Will there be a scar? How large will it be?

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Improving Body Image (Cont.)

If physical changes are permanent, it is normal to grieve about those changes and losses associated with them.

Some mesothelioma patients reach a point where they see their scars and physical changes as proof of their strength in their battle with mesothelioma.

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Improving Body Image (Cont.)

If limited energy, balance, range of motion or strength is affecting your quality of life and self-confidence, ask your oncologist to refer you to a physical therapist for an evaluation.

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Your Cancer Does Not Define You

Cancer does not change your personality, strengths or accomplishments.

Our family and friends love us for who we are on the inside, not what we look like on the outside.

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Contact Information

1-800-615-2270

(800) 615-2270