Diagnosis with any type of cancer is frightening. A mesothelioma diagnosis is particularly difficult for patients and loved ones. Mesothelioma is a very painful disease, and most patients are told they have about a year to live. With early detection and the most advanced treatment some patients survive over five years after diagnosis. However, the most advanced treatment is also very expensive treatment. In addition to the fear and pain associated with the disease, severe anger and depression often stem from the fact that it is entirely preventable. More than anything, mesothelioma patients need the love and support of their family and friends, and often family and friends need support and the knowledge that can be shared by others who have experience with mesothelioma or cancer in general.
Support groups
Participating in support groups can help you learn coping skills and how to deal with some of the practical matters which you will face. Patients who participate in support groups tend to have a better survival rate and enjoy a better quality of life. These groups come in many forms. There are traditional in-person groups which typically meet on a weekly or monthly basis, on-line groups, and email groups which can be accessed at your leisure. While the love and support of family and friends is essential to mesothelioma patients, support groups made up of other patients can provide insights and understanding that only other patients can deliver. Caring for or watching someone battle with cancer can be as difficult emotionally for loved ones as having the disease is for the patient. Special support groups exist just for loved ones, care givers, and even children of mesothelioma patients. Most support groups are free of charge, and those that meet in person and even some online groups provide a confidential setting. Mesothelioma treatmentcenters, cancer treatment centers, local healthcare organizations, and even churches can help you find support groups in your area.
Education
Learning all that you can, about mesothelioma, will enable you to make the best decisions and helps you take back some control over your life. It will help you know what to expect from and ask of your medical team, and help you determine if you are getting the proper care. By keeping abreast of the latest treatment options and clinical trials which may be available to you, you have the opportunity to choose the types of treatment that may be the most beneficial. Researching alternative and complimentary treatment options will also give you access to information about pain management techniques and nutritional support which your doctor may not be aware of or believe will be of help. One of the keys to surviving cancer and to bearing up though the very taxing treatment is to boost your overall health as much as possible.
Financial Support
Mesothelioma treatment is very expensive. In addition to cancer treatments, many patients will require twenty four hour in-home care. You health insurance may or may not cover your basic care, and in most cases will not cover all of the care you need. Should you choose to pursue the most advanced treatment options, your insurance company may consider these treatments to be experimental and refuse to cover them at all. If you do not have health insurance, you may not be able to get any type of treatment. Mesothelioma is the result of asbestos exposure, and it is entirely preventable. If you or a loved one has developed mesothelioma, you may be entitled to compensation from asbestos manufacturers, employers, or other parties responsible for the exposure.
If you or a loved one has developed mesothelioma or any other asbestos related illness, contact an experienced mesothelioma attorney today.
