As with any cancer diagnosis, a diagnosis of mesothelioma is incredibly difficult for patients. It is natural to feel defeated and desperate face such life-changing events, but the way you handle your role as a patient with mesothelioma, can dictate how this disease will control your life. There is no doubt it will be a difficult challenge, but in informing you, taking time for yourself and remember that there are resources available for all aspects of care, you can be a part apart full of your own health care team.
It is important to remember that you are the center of your care team. You play the most important role and you will make all the major decisions about your treatment of mesothelioma. Trust your judgment, but also be prepared to listen to advice from others. There are ways to keep you at the center of your treatment plan and move through your plan with greater ease and understanding.
Make time for questions and answers. Even if your doctor seems rushed, ask questions and show your team that you will be an active member in this resolution. Be prepared by writing all your symptoms and mesothelioma cancer issues before going to your appointment. Collect brochures and reading material. Ask your doctor, nurse or social worker to direct you to a website from a real research foundation that deals with mesothelioma and other cancers. It is often difficult to accept, but we need to clarify any questions that you do not understand and be informed about the different mesothelioma treatment options so that you are able to participate in your mesothelioma treatment plan.
some clear questions to ask would be what type of mesothelioma do I have and how did they arrive at this diagnosis? What are the different types of treatments are available? What factors affect the treatment plan? But above all, ask all these frightening questions you know deep down that you try to avoid. What are the rates of these treatments successful? What is the normal life expectancy of someone at my stage of mesothelioma? That is why it is all-too-important to take a friend or family member with you to your visit. The other pair of impartial ears help you sort through the complicated mesothelioma information. Patients often, our minds may wander or emphasize a point we hear and we end up missing other important information provided. Having someone with you throughout your visits and treatment can be invaluable to your well-being and understanding.
Use of mesothelioma specialists entourage, oncologists, social workers, doctors and nurses meet with you to answer all your questions about insurance, mesothelioma treatment, a second notice and each decision you have to do, but most of all, if you can, take the time to take care of you. Eat well and rest whenever you feel the urge. Seek advice or mesothelioma support groups with others who have experienced mesthelioma themselves. The more you are inside, the more you have to deal with your diagnosis and treatment of mesothelioma.
