Mesothelioma is a fatal form of lung cancer that is strongly associated with asbestos exposure. Being diagnosed with this condition can be very upsetting, as can learning that a loved one has been diagnosed.
If your loved one has developed mesothelioma, you may be at a loss as to how you can support them. Hopefully, the following tips should be useful.
Practical forms of support
There’s nothing you can say or do that will make the diagnosis go away. If you’re struggling to offer emotional support, sometimes practical help can go a long way. For example, does your loved one need help with some jobs around the house? Do they need some groceries brought in? Are the kids expecting to be picked up from school soon? Practical forms of support during a mesothelioma diagnosis cannot be underestimated.
It’s possible that someone who has just been diagnosed will not want to do very much in terms of activities. They shouldn’t feel forced to go out and be social if they don’t want to. If they feel like being on their own then that’s fine. However, you can let them know that you are always nearby. Even a regular check in for 5 minutes each day will ensure that your loved one never feels too isolated.
A mesothelioma diagnosis can be hard on a patient and their loved ones but there are things you can do to mitigate the stresses of the situation. For example, they may be entitled to legal compensation as a result of their harm and you can help them to explore their legal options. Seeking further guidance can help you uncover whether or not compensation might be available to cover medical expenses and other living costs, which will better ensure that your loved one has what they need as their situation evolves.