Types of Support for Mesothelioma Treatment
Mesothelioma support has become increasingly available. With online resources expanding support options, getting mesothelioma cancer help can be just a click away.
However, many patients feel that cancer support is not for them and that getting mesothelioma help is unnecessary. With the many types of mesothelioma support options available today, all patients have the opportunity to find a support option that is right for them.
Treatment Support
Finding and paying for treatment can feel overwhelming. Due to the poor prognosis, treatment options are oftentimes limited, and getting mesothelioma help is challenging since the condition is rare.
The American Cancer Society (ACS) is a valuable resource for mesothelioma help for patients seeking to understand the health care system.
On the ACS website, patients can find:
- Directories of medical professionals
- Treatment center locations
- Information on paying for treatment
- Guidance on how to choose a doctor and hospital
- Clinical trial options
- Advice on seeking a second opinion
Understand Your Treatment OptionsMany treatment options exist for mesothelioma patients. Let us answer your questions about mesothelioma treatment.
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Emotional Support
Many mesothelioma patients do not believe they need emotional support.
The condition is caused by exposure to asbestos, which was common in the military. Our country’s bravest may not wish to admit they are scared. However, emotional support is a very important part of a patient’s treatment plan.
The National Cancer Institute suggests:
“Just as cancer affects your physical health, it can bring up a wide range of feelings you’re not used to dealing with…your friends and family members may share some of the same feelings. If you’re comfortable, share this information with them.”
Without seeking mesothelioma help for emotional support, patients may experience:
- Overwhelming feelings
- Denial
- Anger
- Fear and worry
- Stress and anxiety
- Sadness and depression
- Guilt
- Loneliness
Caregiver Support
The role of a mesothelioma caregiver is not an easy one. Caregivers often find it difficult to balance taking care of a loved one with their own health and responsibilities. They may also feel that their needs are not as important as the patient’s needs.
There are many mesothelioma caregiver support resources available that make the role of caregiving easier to handle. The most important thing to understand is that caregivers cannot do it alone.
Financial Support
Mesothelioma treatment can be more expensive than patients and their families can afford.
Compensation may be available for patients through:
- Asbestos trust funds
- Mesothelioma lawsuits
- Benefits from the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (VA)
- Workers’ Compensation
- Private insurance
Additionally, the ACS website offers in-depth information on:
- Managing the cost of cancer treatment
- Understanding health insurance
- Working during and after treatment
Mesothelioma is most often caused by exposure to asbestos. Although the dangers of asbestos weren’t well-known until the 1980s, asbestos companies knew and hid the risks of the mineral for decades — and now these companies are paying the price.
Speaking with a qualified mesothelioma law firm may lead to financial compensation that can be used to get mesothelioma help.
Support Groups
People living with mesothelioma may greatly benefit from the real-world help they receive from others in the same situation.
Joining mesothelioma support groups has been shown to:
- Improve confidence to overcome difficult situations or side effects
- Help explain treatment options
- Provide a deeper understanding of a mesothelioma diagnosis
- Lead patients to new research that may help their chance of survival
- Improve overall health outcomes
Mesothelioma support groups bring people together and provide a safe place to exchange stories, share concerns, and build enough confidence to face whatever the future brings.
Community Support
Seeking community support can make some mesothelioma patients feel uncomfortable. Patients may not want to ask their family, friends, and neighbors for help out of fear of being a burden. However, it is often just a matter of finding the courage to ask.
Loved ones usually take on different roles to provide mesothelioma help. If family members don’t offer help, or if their help is not sufficient, people may turn to a circle of friends, church members, and neighbors.