Mesothelioma is a rare but devastating cancer. About 3,000 Americans are diagnosed with it each year. It is aggressive and incurable, and often, patients are told they only have a short time left to live. The diagnosis is also often unexpected--after all, the cancer usually doesn't show up until many years after an individual is originally exposed to asbestos, the only known cause.
Mesothelioma patients are often left with a huge amount of stress and worry on their shoulders. They may only have a short time left to be with their loved ones, but they worry about leaving huge medical bills on their family after they pass. They may also worry about which treatments to choose and which doctors to trust. Since the disease is so rare, there is not as much support and information available as there is for other types of cancer.
The good news is that those suffering from Mesothelioma don't have to do so alone. If you or a loved one is fighting this aggressive cancer, there are ways to make the process easier. Here are a few things to keep in mind.
1) Get a good medical team.
Since Mesothelioma is rare, not all medical caregivers will be familiar with it. You need to find a primary doctor who specializes in treating mesothelioma. This will make the process easier and take some of the burden from you. Having a good medical team who understands what you are going through is one of the best ways to make this devastating diagnosis a little easier to process.
2) Have a good support system.
Join a rare cancer support group. Make sure you connect with your family and friends. Don't be afraid to ask for support--emotional or physical. Having a loving support group around you can make the process of fighting this cancer much easier.
3) See if you can get legal help.
If you have mesothelioma, you were exposed to asbestos at some point. Asbestos exposure is most common in those who served in the military, emergency response personnel, and those who worked in fields like construction or in shipyards. Some people were also exposed to it in their homes earlier in life. The bottom line is, if you were exposed to asbestos, it is not your fault, and you are probably entitled to some compensation that can help with your medical bills and other expenses you may face. Don't be afraid to reach out for help, as there are many expert lawyers who can help you get the compensation you deserve.
If you've been diagnosed with Mesothelioma, these are just a few ways that you can make your journey of fighting the illness a little bit easier. Remember to take it day by day, and put your own well-being first.
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