Patients and family members can feel very devastated and in shock when first facing a diagnosis of malignant mesothelioma. Many feel their worlds entirely shaken. Being diagnosed with a terminal cancer like mesothelioma often causes one to feel powerless, afraid, disbelieving, sad, and angry.
Mesothelioma, primarily linked to exposure to asbestos, is a cancer in the lining of the lungs, abdomen or chest cavity. Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral known for its durability, fire, heat and erosion resistance, and insulating properties. In addition to these properties and the fact that asbestos was easily accessible and very affordable, it was commonly added to many commercial, manufacturing and industrial materials. Many people were and continue to be exposed both through their occupations and through environmental pollution.
Asbestos can cause serious lung diseases and cancers when released into the air and inhaled. One type of cancer is mesothelioma, an incurable cancer caused when asbestos becomes lodged in the lining of the lungs, heart or abdomen. Mesothelioma is often not diagnosed until ten to forty years after first exposure because of a long latency period.
Symptoms of mesothelioma are difficult to diagnose so despite research and improved ways of identifying the disease, it has often reached advanced stages before discovered. Life expectancy is usually quite short, less than two years, despite research into new therapies and medical treatments.
For anyone diagnosed with mesothelioma, as well as their loved ones, facing a diagnosis of terminal mesothelioma can be daunting and heartbreaking. Initially, many will have feelings of shock, anger, sadness, and denial. Some will eventually come to terms with the fact they have a terminal cancer, while others will resist accepting the reality of their diagnosis. A variety of emotions and questions will arise as end of life concerns are explored and discussed.
When coping with a diagnosis of mesothelioma, the following steps can help:
1. Create a Circle of Support: Family, friends, medical team members, clergy, and palliative and hospice care workers can all offer support. It is most helpful if there is someone within that network of support that you feel you can discuss concerns and fears over having terminal cancer and facing death. Find the courage to ask for what you need and to speak up about your wishes. Limit time with people who drain your energy or cause you anxiety or stress, and increase time with those that are loving and caring. Avail yourself of hospice and palliative care as research shows this can greatly help with pain management, increase overall quality of life and increase end of life treatment and care options.
2. Learn, Learn, Learn: Learn as much as you possibly can about the type of mesothelioma you have, including causes and stages of the disease. Learn about frontline treatments as well as investigate new drug therapies and alternative treatment options. If you are physically or emotionally unable to do so, ask for help from a good friend or family member. There are many clinical trials which may lead to extended survival time and improved quality of life. Ask your mesothelioma specialist if there are any clinical trials in the nearby area that you would qualify for.
3. Know your legal and medical rights: Familiarize yourself with your insurance coverage and health benefits to find out which medical costs are covered. To further offset the cost of lost wages and medical treatments, consult with an experienced mesothelioma attorney who specializes in asbestos lawsuits. Manufacturers and employers knew that asbestos was a risk to health as early as before the 1960′s and yet did nothing to neither warn nor protect workers from exposure and potential illness. A mesothelioma lawyer is an expert who has all the resources to help identify the source of your exposure and file a lawsuit on your behalf that maximizes your chance of financial recovery.
4. Take Part in Support Groups: Hospitals often have support groups that meet on site. National and on-line support groups can also provide useful resources. Sharing with other people who are experiencing the same situation can provide you with information and help you to feel comfortable talking about your own concerns.
5. Take care of yourself, your family, and your relationships: In such a difficult time, it will be very beneficial to take time to spend with your loved ones. For some, it is a time to have important conversations and to heal any past grievances, regrets or upsets. Remembering good times, laughter, and non-cancer conversations can help relieve stress and ease pain, fear, and anxiety.
In spite of new medical treatments and drug therapies, mesothelioma remains an incurable disease and many will come to realize that the best to work toward is improving quality of life and extending survival times. The tips listed above can help patients and loved ones to realize that even if they can not change the diagnosis of mesothelioma, they do have the power to make decisions about how they would like to treat the disease and the way in which they would like to spend their final days.
For more information, call toll free 1-800-440-4262.
