If any of your loved ones are diagnosed with malignant mesothelioma, even the smallest support means a lot. Whether they are a relative, friend, or neighbor, you can help by providing practical support, kindness, and compassion.
Treatments for this cancer are usually expensive and uncomfortable. Since its symptoms limit mobility significantly, they’ll need all the help they can get. Read more to discover how to support victims during this challenging time.
Gather Your Feelings and Emotions
Due to the low survival rate of mesothelioma, discovering a loved one’s diagnosis can take an emotional toll on you. However, you must gather your feelings and come to terms with the occurrence on your own. Avoid dumping your emotions on the victim since that only makes them feel worse.
Understandably, it can be difficult to collect your feelings. People also deal with bad news in different ways. Just try to limit your emotional responses whenever you’re around them. This way, you will effectively support them and help them feel better.
Learn About Mesothelioma
Another important way to support loved ones diagnosed with malignant mesothelioma is by learning about it. Understand their diagnosis and collect as many details about it as possible. This shows that you care and are not only waiting for them to tell you how they feel. Consider learning about the following things:
- Common symptoms and effects of mesothelioma
- Existing and developing treatments
- Mesothelioma survivor stories
- Statistics on the topic
- Support services for people living with mesothelioma
Be Careful With What You Say
When loved ones are diagnosed with any form of cancer, you may not know what to say to them. This is understandable, yet you must be sensitive about what you say. Do not overthink it; show kindness and compassion and treat them as you want others to treat you.
Let them know you care about them and are always available to talk and listen to them. Lightly emphasize how much they mean to you. Since people have different needs, let them tell you how to support them.
Maintain Your Existing Relationship with Them
When people are diagnosed with cancer, it appears like that is the only thing people think about when interacting with them. While showing concern is awesome, maintain your relationship and avoid looking at them differently. Also, do not relate with them out of pity.
If you have existing traditions such as frequent trips, monthly outings, or coffee catch-ups, keep up with them. Do not just assume that they are no longer interested due to their diagnosis. Taking them to these events is a great way to cheer them up. They’ll also feel more included and appreciative of your efforts to spend time with them.
Perform Acts of Kindness
There are innumerable ways to show support to your loved ones with mesothelioma. People appreciate acts of kindness and other loving gestures to ease the stress when dealing with this cancer. Here are several things you can do to help:
- Shopping for their groceries
- Getting their medications from the pharmacy
- Cooking a nice meal for them
- Getting their mail
- Going for walks with them
- Driving them to appointments
Most people with mesothelioma have caregivers, including spouses, children, close friends, and parents. Talk to family members and caregivers to offer support and cheer them up as well.
Check on Them Frequently
It is quite easy to lose touch with someone struggling with mesothelioma. So, make an effort to check up on them frequently. Set reminders if you have to, but do not lose connection during the treatment period and afterward.
People suffering from this problem may find it difficult to hold conversations due to lung damage. Inquire about their preferred communication options; they may prefer to text or send letters. Consider helping out with the bills for health monitoring and medications.
Endnote
Getting diagnosed with malignant mesothelioma can be terrifying for anyone. That is why you should offer support to loved ones, friends, and family who suffer from this cancer. This includes learning about the subject, checking up on them, performing acts of kindness, and making them feel loved.
