A mesothelioma diagnosis can be extremely unsettling and frustrating. Since this form of cancer currently has no proven cure, and it is usually identified during the late stages, it can cause distress even to the strongest, mentally and emotionally, individuals. In this guide, we will explore practical ways to care for your loved one battling mesothelioma so they can live a quality life despite their challenging circumstances.
Learning about Mesothelioma and Its Implications
For you to efficiently care for your loved one, you must first understand this rare and aggressive cancer, its treatment options, and its impact on the patient and their families. Mesothelioma is an aggressive cancer primarily caused by asbestos exposure.
While there’s no cure for this deadly cancer, many patients successfully became mesothelioma survivors. Many found relief through various treatment options, some of which are surgery, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and palliative cancer,
Some of the usual symptoms of mesothelioma are chest pain, headache, constipation, and weight loss. Since most of these symptoms are evident in other diseases, it can be challenging to diagnose mesothelioma. By learning and understanding about mesothelioma, you can develop a care plan for your loved one. You can also effectively assist them in taking the necessary legal actions if they ever decide to pursue one.
Offering Practical Assistance to Your Loved One
Patients with mesothelioma have several needs, especially with their daily activities. Assisting your loved one with these tasks can significantly reduce their stress and worries.
- Some practical ways you can help them include preparing or delivering their meals, accompanying your loved one during treatments or medical appointments, keeping them company after treatment, and driving them to and from their home.
- You can also offer to manage their household, especially if they have children or are single parents. Some chores you can do include cleaning their house, bringing their children to and from school, running their errands, grocery shopping, cooking their food, getting their medications, tending to their pets, and securing their important packages or mail.
- If your loved one is not vocal about their needs or is hesitant to tell you, be proactive and ask them directly how you can be of assistance. Be respectful and respect their wishes should they decline your help. Practice patience and ask them again after a few days. Remember, doing life while battling mesothelioma is no easy feat, and your loved one needs all the help they can get.
- In addition to helping your loved one with their daily tasks, offer to help them manage the financial and legal aspects related to their treatment. Mesothelioma treatments are generally costly, and not all insurance plans provide coverage. Offer to help your loved one develop a plan for how to get financial aid, as the stress of securing funding may be taking a significant toll on their mental and emotional well-being.
Providing Emotional Support and Communicating Effectively
From choosing the right words, demonstrating proper non-verbal cues, and responding appropriately, providing emotional support to a loved one diagnosed with mesothelioma can be tricky. However, communicating effectively with your loved ones is integral during this highly emotionally challenging period.
Remember, giving emotional support goes beyond asking your loved one, “How are you?” or “What do you need?” or asking empty questions. It is being emotionally available whenever they need it and comforting them when they’re vulnerable.
Be sensitive to what you say to your loved one, but avoid being overbearing. Instead of overthinking the words you need to use, put yourself in their shoes and try to see things from their point of view. Treat them as you would be treated if you were the one diagnosed, and be as sincere as possible.
Demonstrate active listening and empathetic communication. Remember to maintain a positive demeanor and be present at all times. Learn when to talk and when to stay silent. Avoid showering them with too much optimism, as giving them misguided hope can be detrimental to their emotional well-being. Oftentimes, cancer patients just need someone to listen to their concerns or sit with them and enjoy the silence of their surroundings.
Building a Strong Support Network
Building a support network is integral during this crucial time. Regardless of whether or not you’re the primary caregiver of your loved one, taking care of a cancer patient is a challenging journey in itself. Find support groups and communities dedicated to mesothelioma patients and caregivers.
Connect with co-caregivers or with other cancer patients. Talking to individuals on similar journeys can significantly help alleviate some of your worries, especially regarding your loved one’s future. These people can also give you valuable advice and introduce you to individuals who might be of help, financially or legally.
Discuss with their medical team and other related healthcare professionals how to create a comfortable and stress-free recovery environment for your loved one. Make an effort to develop a healthy relationship with these individuals, as they will be your partners in this life-changing journey.
In addition, take time to connect with other family members and your loved one’s closest friends. Encourage them to help and give them tasks that they can efficiently manage.
Taking Care of Yourself
Caring for a mesothelioma patient can greatly impact your own health and well-being. Practicing self-care is imperative during this emotionally, mentally, and physically demanding period. Make it a point to schedule time for yourself to simply reset, relax, and do the things that bring you joy.
Spending time with nature or outdoors, even for a few minutes, can do wonders for your mental state. Avoid skipping meals and reduce your consumption of processed foods and drinks. Strive to get sufficient sleep despite your hectic schedule, as you can’t support your loved one effectively if you lack quality rest.
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Taking care of a loved one battling mesothelioma requires dedication, genuine compassion, unwavering patience, determination, and gentleness. By following these essential tips, educating yourself, and seeking the necessary help, you can efficiently provide your loved one with the necessary care and support during this extremely sensitive period.
