Mesothelioma is an extremely rare form of cancer mostly developing in people who have been exposed to asbestos. This cancer carries with it a poor prognosis for recovery and can lead to painful complications, extensive medical treatments and a long period of pain and suffering both for the victim and the victims family. At this point this form of cancer is a death sentence.
It is only natural that you feel awkward and unsure of what to say that will bring any real comfort to the families of those suffering this terrible disease. However, there are things you can say that will help the family get the practical help they need to see them through the rough days, weeks and months ahead.
Remember, their main concern is going to be for their husband, wife or parent who is suffering and they just may need someone to help guide them and urge them to get the help they need. You may well be in a position to be of real service to those you love and ease their burden in some small way. Here are a few things you will need to take the time to talk to your loved one about, that can provide them with valuable help.
Urge Them to Get Support
The first thing you can do is urge the person with mesothelioma and their family members to join a support group to help them deal and talk about the disease. These groups are vital in helping to understand the progressiveness of the disease, the treatments that are available and giving the people most affected by the disease a place to go and talk with people who can share their pain and truly understand what they are going through.
Even if the person suffering from the mesothelioma itself is too weak or discouraged to go, encourage other members of the family to attend these support groups. They are going to need an outlet for their pain in the days ahead and by joining one of these groups they can get both emotional support and gain needed information to help them deal with the disease.
Talk To Them About Getting Financial Help
Mesothelioma is an expensive condition that can literally milk a family’s finances dry. It is important to talk to your loved one about getting financial help as soon as possible to help pay the medical bills and relieve at least one worry the family doesn’t need at this critical time. There are several ways a family with a loved one can get financial help either through the government or by suing the employer where the patient was exposed to the asbestos. Contacting the government or an attorney to explore your options and find out what financial help is available will help ease the burden on the family.
Most mesothelioma support groups can give you the names of agencies or attorneys that can help your loved one get the financial support they may need. In cases, where someone has lost a loved one to this dreaded disease family members may be able to get compensation for loss of income and the pain and suffering their loved one faced during their lifetime.
Encourage Them to Not Give Up
Although there is little hope for a cure right now new medicines are being tested everyday in a effort to find something that will treat and possibly cure Mesothelioma. While you don’t want to give your loved ones false hope you do want to encourage them not to give up and remind them that as tough as things are, fighting to the end just might buy time for a cure to be found.
Just Let Them Know You Will Be There For Them
Just telling the family members that you will be there for them and meaning it will help to ease some of their burden. Offer to run errands or make phone calls or sit by in the hospital room while they take a much needed break. Telling them how much you care, and giving them practical helpful advice is the best thing you can say to help them through this most difficult time.