Living with Malignant Mesothelioma
Any kind of cancer is not just a physical disease. People with cancer frequently suffer from depression and anxiety, have feelings of low self-worth and guilt, and struggle with helplessness and fear. A diagnosis of malignant mesothelioma may feel like a death-sentence. It is also very difficult for family members and friends, who feel their own pain and fear about the illness. Frequently family members have to become involved in financial and care decisions they do not feel prepared to make. They may have to give up their jobs or time with their own family to accompany the ill person to doctor and hospital visits or to provide help and care around the house. These are additional stress factors for the family members. Although feelings of stress, anxiety, grief, and depression are normal, they should not be ignored.
Good counseling, whether from a therapist, a social worker, a clergy person, or a nurse or other health care professional experienced with coping with cancer, will help both patients and their family. Many communities have cancer support groups. Hospice care is usually available, and can be very helpful not only in dealing with the pain but in helping the patient and family members say good-bye. If depression or anxiety are significant, medication in conjunction with therapy may be called for. Feelings of suicidality should be discussed with a physician immediately.
Patients can also do some self-care and read books about dealing with cancer available at the local public library. There are many mesothelioma support groups on the Internet. Since malignant mesothelioma is an occupational disease, some patients may have friends who have an asbestos-related disease themselves whom they can discuss it with. Having a long-term task of some sort can keep people motivated and interested in living.
End of life financial planning also needs to be done. This can be an especially difficult and distressing project, so finding a financial planner who is experienced in working with ill people is important. Dealing with money issues and illness issues at the same time might cause fractures and problems between family members no matter how deeply they care for each other, so having a good support system for everyone is invaluable.
Because malignant mesothelioma is caused by exposure to asbestos, it differs from other cancers. People with mesothelioma have the option to file lawsuits for personal injury. A lawsuit can be a difficult process for an ill person, but settlement money can alleviate some of the costs of medical treatment and care, and filing a lawsuit frequently gives people a sense that they are doing something to take care of themselves or their families when they otherwise feel powerless.
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