Caregivers of mesothelioma patients are remarkable people. They are the unsung heroes really. Navigating the medical diagnosis of mesothelioma is a complex world overwhelming task, but it is a job too many unsuspecting people are forced to do when a loved one is diagnosed with mesothelioma.
We hope that you have never heard of mesothelioma and you know nobody is ever diagnosed. It is a terrible cancer caused by asbestos exposure that attacks the lungs, abdomen and heart. There is no known cure.
But for those brave souls who are unexpectedly thrown off track when a loved one is diagnosed with mesothelioma, here are 10 proven tips must know for caregivers of a mesothelioma patient.
These tips come from the knowledge gathered from real people - women, husband, children, parents - who came face-to-face with the medical doctors, hospitals, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, surgery and more. The common theme at each end? Take control and be your own advocate! After all, you and the person you love are those who have the most at stake.
10 Must-Know Tips for Caregivers mesothelioma
1. Bring a laptop to the doctor and hospital visits
for each visit to the doctor or hospital, bring a laptop for the sole purpose of writing all your notes and questions. In fact, bring two. One for notes and one for gathering information contact people you meet throughout the process (see Tip # 10).
2. There are no stupid questions
"meso what?" Most people have never heard of the disease. Understanding how cancer is to attack the body and available mesothelioma treatment options is equivalent to learning a foreign language. Learn to be a good student of the disease process and treatment. Come to go to the doctor with a list of prepared questions. And remember, there is no such thing as asking too many questions.
3. arming knowledge
Whoever said knowledge is power was right. When your loved one starts treatment, get used to ensure that you understand exactly what will happen. What drugs are used to fight against mesothelioma cancer? Why? What are the side effects? How should we cope? How long is the recovery from surgery? Do not be left in the dark.
4. Beware the Internet
That said, carefully choose your sources. Do not believe everything you read on the Internet about mesothelioma. "But I read this on the internet," you say. This is true, but there are many mesothelioma information out there that is outdated or misleading. The Internet can provide a lot of valuable information, but when it comes to medical information, get answers from experts.
5. Know the medical staff
Once you start the treatment process, getting to know the people who care for a loved one. Watch and learn nurses. Talk regularly with physicians. From the beginning, you need to set a tone of open communication, direct.
6. Be the Squeaky Wheel
Maybe not in your nature, but when your loved one is in hospital, learning to be the squeaky wheel. If pain shots arrive late, tell the nurse. If the mesothelioma patient should have on compression boots after surgery and he or she does not, then do not leave until they are on (which helps prevent blood clots). Remember, you finally take control and be your own advocate!
7. Roll up your sleeves
Your work is difficult, and there is so much work you already do. But if you feel comfortable, try to get involved in some hands-on tasks you've watched the nurses and doctors to perform. Obviously, you can not insert IVs and drawing blood, but you can learn to clean wounds and connect and disconnect the IV so that your loved one can stand up and walk around. Doing this will get more involved and, hopefully, get you both home faster.
8. If in doubt, call the doctor
When you are away from the hospital or treatment center mesothelioma, you will be full-time caretaker. No nurses. No safety net. Be confident. You can do it. Nobody likes that person more than you. Watch for fevers, infections, and changes in appetite. But remember, when in doubt, call the doctor.
9. Take care of yourself
This may be the greatest challenge you face: taking care of yourself. It is difficult to do, but essential to ensure that you remain strong throughout this long and trying journey. So find time to rest. If you are in the hospital, ask a lounge chair in your room so you can relax while your loved one is sleeping. And do not forget to eat healthy.
10. Build a support network
The management of your life - let alone the mesothelioma diagnosis of a loved one - is hard enough. Do not try to do it alone. Reach out to family and friends. Throughout your journey, you will encounter other extraordinary people who face the same challenges you face. Build a support network and use it regularly.
If you are a mesothelioma care provider or patient and have questions, concerns, or just need to talk, help is there. Get in touch with the Meso Foundation or contact the Mesothelioma Hope Center.
