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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
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