My mother was recently diagnosed with mesothelioma and we have not began treatment yet. She asked me if I could post to this website and find out what she can to do increase her comfort when her temperature drops and she begins sweating. If anyone could help us I would appreciate it so much. Thanks.

Hi, Leah-so sorry to hear about your Mom. My husband was diagnosed w/peritoneal meso exactly 1 yr ago, and has been relatively stable since last December, after finishing chemo in late Oct. one of his first symptoms that made us think something was wrong were terrible night sweats. Unfortunately, all he was doing was taking a towel to bed-they just happened, mainly when he was sleeping. Wish we had more ideas for you. We-the foundation community-will be support for you. Have you contacted Mary H-she's the Nurse Practioner for the foundation and is a wonderful resource. I you would like to talk privately, she has my personal info, and knows I'm open to sharing it.
Your phrasing on 'we' and treatment is right on-it's her, plus everyone involved in her support system. Will she be having chemo? If so, just reassure her that it does pass, and you may want to have a nice wig in case she loses her hair. Many salons and Nationa Cancer Institute have wigs available for cancer patients. It's also really important that you take really good care of yourself, and find the right people for her treatment. I don't know what state you live in, but there are meso specialists-again, Mary has all that info. We live in Alaska, so really have no easy access to specialists. And Denis has decided no more treatment so we take each day as a true gift-he's lived 7 moths longer than his doctor thought he would. You and your Mom take care of yourselves. Many thoughts and prayers, Rose

Thank you for your response. Finding this website was exciting for us and the fact someone responded so quickly is all the more reassuring. I will contact Mary H.

Thank you again
Leah

Hello, welcome, and Rose is absolutely correct. This board is an excellent place for caregivers and patients. I was here while I helped my Dad through his meso. I received so much helpful information, and support so needed for the caregiver, it is very hard for them also. Best wishes. Diane

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Diane
Caregiver of Thomas (my Dad,82)
Pleural epithelial meso
dx 11/10
Our battle ended March 16, 2012. Together.

We purchased a Chillow Pillow and this helped my mother. It was different for her to get used to the feel of sleeping with it, but did help keep her cool. I remember the night sweats to be awful and drenching prior to the pillow. After her chemo began these did stop.

the following was sent to e by a patient who also complained of night sweats. Please also tell your mother that if the chemotherapy is effective the night sweats can decrease or even disappear. I am around today if you wish to discuss treatment options etc (877) 363 6376 ex 7275
I went to a sporting hiking/camping etc store here in Poughkeepsie (EMS, Eastern Mountain Sports, they have stores in many cities) and bought a pair of base layer pants and top in moisture-wicking material. Most people have heard of these materials for sports, hiking, the gym, etc. It pulls moisture and sweat away from the skin and it passes through the fabric. The next step is to make sure the moisture wicking fabric doesn't stay wet. Whatever moisture is pulled away from the skin also needs to be pulled away from the base layer fabric or those items stay wet. I did away with sheets (cotton stays wet) and blanket and put a light weight fleece blanket on my bed which also pulls moister away from the body so now the night sweats get wicked away from my skin, then from the base layer clothing and through the fleece blanket. I have only one light weight blanket on me at night, I stay warm and although I still sweat I am much more comfortable all through the night

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Mary Hesdorffer, NP
Medical Liaison, Mesothelioma Foundation

Many patients I've spoken with have had what we called "night sweats". I took large bath towel sheets and laid on them without clothes, when the sweats hit wrapped myself in all the other bath sheets. Went through about 10 per night. They finally went away after treatment. Even now I hate the thought of those sweats. I hope your mom feels well soon.

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HUGS
bonnie
Peritoneal survivor 10 YEARS

I will look into this. Thank you!