Mesothelioma is an asbestos cancer that develops on the linings of the lungs (pleural), stomach (peritoneal), or heart (pericardial). Typical symptoms include shortness of breath and pain in the chest and ribcage area. If you are exhibiting any of these symptoms, make an appointment to see a doctor immediately, especially if you know or think you were exposed to asbestos in the past.

If the doctor confirms you have mesothelioma, depending on what stage the cancer is, there may be ways to help deal with the symptoms. If you are a candidate for treatment, there are many questions that you need to ask yourself and your family:

What are the benefits / drawbacks of receiving the treatment?
Does my insurance cover this kind of treatment? If not,
How much and how will you pay for such treatment?
Is travel involved?

If you chose to receive treatment, there may be side effects including weakness, loss of appetite, weight loss, memory loss, tiredness, nausea, and vomiting. Be prepared to deal with these side effects during treatment. Ask the doctor about support programs to help with these issues.

If you are not a candidate for treatment or decide not to undergo treatment, make plans to receive support for the remainder of the prognosis. This includes coming up with ways to manage the pain with either pain killers or therapy. Depending on prognosis, patients and their family may want to make arrangements with hospice. Patients may also want to seek help with planning their family's future through wills, estate planning, and trusts. It is also wise to consider contacting a mesothelioma lawyer to file a lawsuit against the asbestos manufacturers that caused your exposure to asbestos.

A mesothelioma diagnosis usually brings a tremendous amount of stress. Not knowing what to do, who to talk to, or how to prepare for the future are concerns that will need to be addressed. There are many support groups available to help both you and your loved ones with the stress.

If you would like more information about the various mesothelioma support groups, please contact us and we can put you in touch with them.

Sources:

http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/support/prognosis-stats
http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/Support/healthcare-team

Mesothelioma News

Mesothelioma Study Provides Reason for More Research
2008-11-21 15:10:10
Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer that most commonly develops in the lining of the lungs (pleura). However, other areas of the body that have also been known ...Read More
Mesothelioma Survivor Releases Inspirational Book
2008-09-24 11:20:56
In October 2001, James O'Conner was diagnosed with malignant pleural mesothelioma. At that time, he was told he had only a few months to ...Read More
Mesothelioma Patients in Libby Have Little Time to Take Advantage of Free Asbestos Screening
2008-09-05 15:12:39
The deadline for Libby's free asbestos screening is fast approaching. In 2003, the Montana Asbestos Screening and Surveillance Activities program was formed in response to a request from the residents ...Read More