How to Support Mesothelioma Cancer Patients

Mesothelioma is the term for a type of cancer that affects the tissues surrounding our organs. It is one of the more difficult cancers to detect in earlier stages, but is treatable once it is caught. Patients with mesothelioma need more than just treatment. They also need the support of their friends and family, and lots of help from people just like you. Whether you volunteer your time, donate money or help care for mesothelioma patients you know personally, you can make a difference.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Computer with Internet access

1. Go to doctor's appointments with cancer patients you know. Your presence can make them feel more comfortable about talking to their doctor about difficult choices. You can also help them remember questions or concerns that they'd like to address with their doctors.

2. Be patient with someone who is dealing with mesothelioma. There is no way to know how someone is going to react when he's diagnosed with the disease, so it's important to be supportive, but also to respect his desire for privacy should he ask for it.

3. Read books about dealing with mesothelioma and cancer in general. Many authors have shared their experiences for others to benefit from, and you can often gain great insight into how best to support the people you love by reading memoirs and personal accounts.

4. Consider making lifestyle changes along with your loved ones. Patients with mesothelioma are often required to change their diets and get more exercise, so this is a good chance to show your support by joining them in their fight. Cutting out alcohol or tobacco may be another lifestyle change you can take part in.

5. Make yourself available for the little things. Whether you are a cancer patient's next-door neighbor, coworker or friend, you can help him or her by volunteering to help in simple ways. Offer to drive him to treatments, pick up groceries or help out with dishes or laundry.

Tips & Warnings

• Always be positive in the presence of those facing mesothelioma. Negative energy will only serve to affect the patient's mental state and outlook, so it's important to be brave and face the disease with courage and dignity.
• Ask your loved one's doctor if he or she can suggest any steps for you to take to make the patient feel more comfortable or cared for.
• According to The Patient's Bill of Rights, your loved one can designate you to make healthcare decisions for him if he is no longer capable of thinking clearly on his own.
• Don't smoke in the presence of patients with mesothelioma. Smoking is known to increase the discomfort certain cancer treatments can cause, as well as cause additional complications during treatment.
• If you are very close to someone who has cancer, the disease can be as emotionally devastating for you as it is for him. Consider joining a support group if you are battling with intense feelings related to your loved one's disease.

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