From the very good Web site of the Mesothelioma & Asbestos Awareness Center comes this information about support available for those who have been diagnosed with this terrible disease.
Mesothelioma Support
With the numbers steadily rising for those infected with diseases caused by asbestos contact, more resources and guidance are available. Support resources have skyrocketed because of the amount of information that doctors and scientists have determined since the late 1970s. The more educated people become, the better doctors can determine what methods would be most effective in treating those who have been contaminated with asbestos fibers.
Unfortunately, there still is no cure for mesothelioma or other lung related illnesses caused by asbestos. With modern medicine, however, doctors have been able to create medical breakthroughs in medication and formation of treatments. Clinical studies have been a large part in the increasing knowledge of what works well with trying to battle lung related illnesses. Doctors have found a way to alleviate pain through different types of formulated treatments to keep the patient comfortable during their battle. This has become increasingly effective for the positive attitude in patients who are in later stages of the disease.
There are a wide range of resources available to handle mental, legal and medical issues. Emotional and mental stress can be heavy on both the patient and their families. Feelings after diagnosis are often very tough and emotional for the patient, family, caregiver and medical team. Fortunately, there are organizations that provide support in this aspect. They are helpful with organizing support groups and even suggesting different types of alternative therapies for relaxation such as massage therapy, acupuncture and certain forms of exercising. Managing pain is often a difficult task and require more than alternative therapies. Chemotherapy, radiation and other medical treatments are necessary according to the condition of a patient. It is important to address mental and emotional symptoms just as you would physical. There are methods for dealing with different feelings during this tough time and there are those who are specially trained to help the patient get through feeling of depression, anxiety, anger and loss of self esteem.
Among dealing with many of the difficult emotions that come through when diagnosed with mesothelioma, financial and legal support is also necessary. Medical bills can become overwhelming once treatment and medications are being distributed to the patient. Depending on the patients distance from a medical facility, funds for transportation also may become unbearable. Fortunately, there have been more instances where individuals are fighting for rights and benefits regarding their mesothelioma disease. Most cases are work related, and individuals are pressing legal action against companies who allowed them to become contaminated with asbestos fibers. More attorneys are representing those who have been infected with an asbestos related illness. Benefits and monetary gain are the main goals for pressing legal action. This helps alleviate some financial stress on those who are helping to support treatment and medical services to prolong the life of the patient. Because the outlook for mesothelioma is so unclear, many patients are acknowledging attorneys to write up their wills and determine a power of attorney to make sure that their medical desires are being taken care of if they are unable to communicate with others. Last Will and Testament documents along with Do-Not-Resuscitate Orders are essential to giving the patient their wants and desires throughout battling the illness and after they pass on.
Mesothelioma is an issue that is often on high debate. So many resources are made readily available because of this fact. Organizations that have their support guide through the internet have capabilities of directing a patient and their family to the resources that may best fit their needs. Online organizations can even direct a patient to hospitals and doctors that specialize in mesothelioma treatment in a location that is convenient. It is important to take advantage of these resources in order to become more knowledgeable about the disease and create a plan for battling this life changing disease.
