We know that many of you who read our blog are family members of mesothelioma patients, so we thought we could write a post for you and discuss some of the things you might be going through.
we heard a lot of family members over the years, and they told us that emotional roller coaster, it is once you hear of a diagnosis your father, your uncle your grandfather or someone close to you
Here are some things that others in your shoes told us :.
There are survivors
This is first and foremost. Although very few mesothelioma patients live longer than two years after the doctor delivers the bad news, there are survivors. Take hope their stories. In addition, researchers are discovering new and better ways to detect and treat this disease and seeking a cure in progress.
You are not alone
you just learned that a loved one has cancer, it may seem that no one else in the world can understand what you are experiencing. While no one can feel exactly the same way you do, there are other similar emotions.
Participate in support groups, whether online or in person, can help you and others in the family understand all the emotions that come with a diagnosis of mesothelioma. Talking with others can help their loved ones to sort out their feelings.
It is very easy after learning of a devastating piece of medical news you throw in the disease. You research it. Looking for treatment and advanced practitioners. You want to help be part of the solution. Others simply ignore the news and continue their lives as if nothing is wrong.
These coping mechanisms are well intentioned. They are just not healthy.
Finding a balance between the two. Talk about the disease and upcoming treatments. To ask questions. Comfort another. Express your love.
It is normal for family members to worry about the state of a loved one, but it is important not to be consumed by it. Members of the families affected by mesothelioma should try to continue their usual activities while balancing concern for a loved one.
knowledge is power
While it is important for you not to spend all their time looking mesothelioma ?? all concerned should be informed. Sometimes the unknown and what people think is much worse than the reality, to be informed about the diagnosis of a loved one will only help the family cope with the situation.
These tips barely touch the surface on how family members can handle the diagnosis of a loved one, but hopefully they have provided insight into the fact that, although mesothelioma is a rare disease, others do not. And other family members dealing with it, too.
Are there any tips that you feel we should have included? Are there any in particular that you have helped?
Share with us and the rest of the mesothelioma community via comments below, Facebook , or Twitter .
