Coping With Mesothelioma Diagnosis
There is nothing that can prepare us for the shock and devastation of a mesothelioma diagnosis nor for despair we experience in the knowledge that there is currently no known cure for this asbestos related disease.
Often, mesothelioma diagnosis comes without time to prepare for the physical and emotional impact it places upon us. Not knowing what to expect, we fear the unknown and there are so many unanswered questions; what is going to happen? When will it happen? Will there be much pain?
As our lives and the lives of those closest to us are thrown into turmoil, there are feelings of anger, denial, sadness and an overwhelming sense of helplessness as we begin to lose control over our lives.
You want and need to do something, but what?
Caring For A Loved One With Mesothelioma - What You Can Do
- Find out as much as you can about mesothelioma and the procedures and treatments currently available to treat it. This will enable you and your loved one to make informed choices.
- Find out about the progressive symptoms of mesothelioma and the various types of pain that may be experienced. Work with your doctor to bring the pain and symptoms under control.
- Decide whether you would like to care for your loved one at home and put things into place to make this possible.
- Enlist the support of Palliative Care, a dedicated multi disciplinary team of doctors, nurses, pain management specialists, Chaplains and Volunteers whose prime purpose is to provide physical and emotional support to terminal cancer patients and their families.
- Take care of yourself. Don’t bottle things up, talk to your family or a counsellor about your feelings.
- Knowledge is power - Your ability to take an active role in the care of your loved one will give you back some control over your life and you will lose your sense of helplessness and gain strength.
- Remember, that despite a terminally illness, there is still ‘life’ and quality of life is of the utmost importance. Work together with the doctor to ensure that your loved ones pain and symptoms are kept under control. You can make a difference!
You will never be closer to or understand more the mystery of life than when you are caring for a loved one with a terminal illness. Keep communication lines open, express your feelings and treasure each day for the wonderful gift that it is. Look forward to each tomorrow and try not to focus on the prognosis which is only an estimate determined by other people’s experience. Prognosis is often proved wrong; this comes as no surprise when we realize that each of us is unique.
Though we may be on the same journey as others; we may not travel at the same speed, take the same turns in the road, or reach the end of the road at the same time as those who have travelled before us.
Article written by Lorraine Kember - Author of ‘Lean on Me’ Cancer through a Carer’s Eyes. The inspirational true story of her emotional journey as she cared for her husband with mesothelioma and improved the quality of his life. Visit. www.lean-on-me.net
