Your loved one has received a diagnosis of mesothelioma. Helping your mesothelioma patient and family is probably foremost in your mind. There is so much to know and learn and so little time to do so since the asbestos cancer is often diagnosed in its advanced stages. There is no cure for mesothelioma, and yet there are still many doctors to visit and treatments to undergo. As a caregiver, you need to know what to expect.
Early Stages
Shortly after the initial mesothelioma diagnosis, your loved one may still be able to do a number of things on his or her own. The shock of the news is beginning to settle in, so it is important to understand how your loved one feels and provide emotional support to help them cope with mesothelioma. This is also the time to start organizing documentation to better manage the process, working with the various doctors, and contacting a mesothelioma lawyer.
As the Mesothelioma Advances
Your loved one will require more support as the mesothelioma continues to advance to the next stage. Daily tasks will become more difficult either due to the progression of the cancer or because of the mesothelioma treatments, such as surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy. Your role will deepen as your loved one becomes more reliant on your help.
During this time, you need to make sure you as the caregiver is caring for yourself and asking for support from others. Make sure to organize documentation and delegate tasks such as grocery shopping, meal preparation, and running errands to those willing to help.
Spiritual and emotional support for the mesothelioma victim and for you is very important. Reach out to a mesothelioma charity or support group, engage the assistance of friends and family, and discuss challenges with a trusted spiritual advisor. Staying healthy allows you to better care for your loved one, so make sure you get enough sleep, exercise, and proper nutrition.
Preparing for the Last Days
It will be difficult for both the victim and the caregiver to face the reality that mesothelioma is terminal. Advance planning for care and directives is crucial to ensure you are supporting your loved one’s wishes. It is difficult to have these conversations, but it is also very important that you assist in some of the most important decisions you and your loved one will make.
There are several things you can do to educate yourself before your loved one is unable to speak for themselves. These include:
- Researching mesothelioma to understand the progression of the cancer and what to expect.
- Researching life-sustaining methods.
- Discussing pain management options to provide physical comfort.
- Helping your loved one to prepare appropriate legal documents.
- Assisting your loved one in understanding all the options and making decisions to support his or her desires.
Hospice Care
Hospice care, whether in-home or in a facility, gives the mesothelioma victim a trained worker who is compassionate to their situation and focused on pain management and emotional support. Hospice care is a practical solution to consider when the care of your loved one becomes more than you can handle on your own. This does not mean that you are relinquishing your role. By engaging the assistance of hospice care workers, you are placing your loved one in the care of trained medical professionals who are experienced in end-of-life issues and can provide the best care available during their last days.