Lung mesothelioma: Familial support and living with it

When a case of lung mesothelioma has been diagnosed for a particular patient, the patient usually goes into depression as the disease is a killer disease. Lung mesothelioma usually kills patients within five years of its onset. So the patient becomes a living dead man or woman. Support from family and friends are needed very much, for a person suffering from lung mesothelioma. The patient may need to undergo regular chemotherapy and radiation therapies to keep the lung mesothelioma mesothelioma under control, and to stall the cancer from progressing further. Family members need to understand that the patient requires constant medical help and attention and so should be receptive to the needs of the patient. The danger is that many patients become addicted to substances to forget the trauma caused by lung mesothelioma. This is understandable but substance abuse is not the correct way to handle the situation. Patients may start taking more alcohol or may tend to smoke more. But these need to be brought under control.

The patients can get angry against themselves. They may show episodes of crying, just as in any other incurable disease. Family members need to be realistic, understanding, and supportive to the person suffering from lung mesothelioma during these periods. Sometimes the patient can be taken out into different surroundings or picnics or outings can be arranged to take his or her mind off the trauma of lung mesothelioma. Patients suffering from lung mesothelioma usually shut themselves out of the outside world. They shun all forms of social contact, and go into a nutshell. They may even exhibit symptoms of clinical depression. Family and friends need to keep a close watch on the situation. While some depression may be allowed, frequent conversations need to be initiated with the person suffering from lung mesothelioma. This is to take their mind off the single trauma-causing lung mesothelioma. Spouses and kids of patients suffering from lung mesothelioma need to be sensitive to the patients’ needs. The patient is usually in a state of shock and has resigned himself or herself to the inevitable death. They count their days before death occurs.

Take the patients suffering from lung mesothelioma out to some places like parks, cinema halls, and amusement parks. Attend social parties with them. If spouses of patients do this, the patient of lung mesothelioma can start socializing again. The patients suffering from deadly diseases like lung mesothelioma can form support groups and help one another overcome the mental stress of the disease. The patient may want to make living wills. So attorney help may be needed. This is understandable. Frequent treatment sessions involving chemotherapy and radiation therapy may cost a big amount for the family. So finances need to be managed well. Patients may find living with lung mesothelioma better when they engage themselves in their hobbies or other interesting activities.

Time is a sure healer. If ultimately death occurs to a patient, due to lung mesothelioma, as is likely, then family members need to understand and cope with the situation.