Other Resources
Mesothelioma Diagnosis Support
A mesothelioma diagnosis, as with other cancers, has a devastating effect on both the patient and his loved ones. Those of you already diagnosed, or caring for someone who has been, no doubt know this all too well. It is essential for most patients and their families to obtain as much support as possible in coping with the disease.
The despair of those caring for someone with mesothelioma is heightened by feelings of helplessness, in the knowledge that a kiss will not make it better, ignoring it will not make it go away, and that no amount of money could make the slightest difference to the outcome. They try to remain strong for their loved one, but at the same time need - more than ever - the strength they have always found in their loved one's embrace.
In this section we discuss Coping with Your Feelings, Spiritual & Psychological Support, Financial Support, and provide links to Other Resources, in the hope that this information might ease your difficult journey.
Mesothelioma Spiritual Support
In these difficult times many people come closer to God. Most mesothelioma cancer hospitals have a spiritual advisor in residence. Feel free to contact the Chaplain or other spiritual advisor to seek spiritual strength in these difficult times. We found the following verses quite moving and hope it gives you strength:
What Mesothelioma Cannot Do
- It cannot cripple love.
- It cannot shatter hope.
- It cannot corrode Faith.
- It cannot destroy Peace.
- It cannot kill Friendship.
- It cannot suppress Memories.
- It cannot silence Courage.
- It cannot invade the Soul.
- It cannot steal Eternal Life.
- It cannot conquer the Spirit.
A Prayer to Keep Going
God, I need you.
Carry me when I'm weak;
Hold me when I'm tired.
Love me when I cannot care anymore.
And when I huddle lonely and afraid,
Cover me with you strong protective hands,
Guard my sleep, and wake me in the morning,
Rested and strong,
And Ready to try again.
Psychological Assistance for Mesothelioma Patients
Many people diagnosed with mesothelioma are reluctant to seek help from psychologists or psychiatrists because they perceive this as a sign of weakness, or because they are not aware of the benefits of such counseling. Psychological assistance, however, has proven to be an invaluable tool in helping one to cope with mesothelioma. Therefore, at the very least, mesothelioma patients and their families should explore available counseling and support networks.
- American Cancer Society - They are largest source of private, not-for-profit cancer research funds in the US, second only to the federal government in total dollars spent.
- National Childhood Cancer Foundation - This is a non-profit organization that supports pediatric cancer treatment and research projects.
- OncoChat - This is a on-line support group for cancer patients, family and friends. They use Internet Relay Chat as a medium. You can visit them on the Undernet IRC network. (/join #oncochat).
Coping with your Feelings
Many people, when told they have mesothelioma, feel helpless. But there are many things you and your family can do.
Understanding Your Illness and Its Treatment
- Talk to someone who really knows about mesothelioma. Doctors, nurses and social workers at the major mesothelioma centers have extensive knowledge about mesothelioma.
- Call us at 1-800-780-2686 or email us for a list of mesothelioma doctors, mesothelioma clinical trials, and mesothelioma hospitals.
- Make lists of questions to ask at the mesothelioma hospital
- Ask about sources of information and support when you go to the hospital. You may not be told what is available unless you do.
These things will enable you and your family to know what to expect, and to take actions which can help your treatment.
Practical And Positive Tasks
- When you are being treated, or are recovering from treatments, you may not be able to do many of the things you used to do. But as you begin to feel better.
- Have a go at simple tasks.
- Gradually try to do a little more
Success will give you confidence, but remember to be patient and take one step at a time.
All people want to improve the way they feel. Some of the ways this can be done are:
- Following a healthy, well-balanced diet
- Learning relaxation techniques
- Exercising regularly
But only do these things if you want to, and only if they make you feel better. Well-meaning friends or relatives may make all sorts of recommendations about what you should do or be doing. You don't, however, have to make any sudden or drastic changes to your lifestyle. If you have been recently diagnosed or treated, you may feel you have had enough change for a while.
If you decide to exercise
- Build up slowly
- Set realistic targets
- Base the type of exercise, how strenuous it is, and how often you do it, on what you are used to and how well you feel
- Many people strongly recommend joining a support group. While there may not be a support group specifically for mesothelioma patients in your area, joining a support group for cancer patients will work.
- If you are at home more than you were, you might want to get a dog. You'll get daily exercise and meet a lot of people when taking it out for walks.
Many sufferers say that exercise helps them:
- Not dwell on their condition
- Make the most of what they have
- Do the things they've often put off before
Mesothelioma Financial Support
The inability to work, compounded by the cost of treatment and support, can be very taxing on families of mesothelioma patients, on top of the stress and pain of the illness itself.
Some important topics that you should address include:
- The need for family openness in discussing and finding solutions to financial matters.
- The importance of practicing basic financial planning, which includes making a budget, including new expenses and taking loss of income into account, and monitoring cash flow.
- The need for all adults to have a will and other essential paperwork in place.
Mesothelioma victims may need assistance from the following:
- Licensed Certified Financial Planners – can help with managing and structuring your money.
- Hospital Billing Representatives – can help with insurance questions and issues.
- Insurance Agents/Specialists – can provide assistance on insurance coverage issues.
- Bankers and Bank Trust/Loan Officers – may be able to lend money.
- Social Security/Medicare/Medicaid Representatives – may assist in providing additional sources of income, and covering certain hospital payments or prescription costs.
- Attorneys – can often recover significant compensation due to asbestos involvement, help draft a will, and prepare health care powers of attorney and other important documents.
Call us at 1-800-780-2686 or email us with a specific request.