1. Don’t give up hope. Do constant research on the disease, some of the new treatments have proved very effective. Search the Internet for information, there is always something that can be done.
2. Try to incorporate two systems of treatment – traditional as well as alternative.
3. Get involved in support groups. There are tons of support centers out there, if you take the time to look.
4. Ask for the support of your friends and family. It’s important that they provide you with hope.
5. Stay away from negative people. If people don’t have anything positive to enlighten you with, then they aren’t the best people you should be associated with in a time of sickness.
6. Find out about different treatments for different stages of Mesothelioma. Get a surgically respected doctor. Many doctors in New York and Los Angeles are reputed for knowing the disease in and out, they will be able to diagnose your stage properly, and advise you on what treatments are available.
7. When going for diagnosis, make sure that you have Mesothelioma and nothing else. Often, cases can be misdiagnosed, so be sure to get a second opinion if necessary.
8. It can be difficult to cope emotionally and practically. Try not to feel upset and confused.
9. If your Mesothelioma is diagnosed at a later stage (which it often is), you might feel depressed that your cancer is difficult to treat, and likely to be incurable. Do tell yourself that you will get through it.
10. Work out practical matters – consider whom you should tell that you have cancer. If you have children, you will have other matters to take into consideration.
11. Make sure that at every stage, you and your close ones have enough information available to make informed decisions about treatment.
12. Get access to specialist nurses, social workers, and physiotherapists who can give you the support to manage yourself at home, as well as in the hospital.
13. Join a clinic support group. Find one located in your area, so that you can share your feelings with people in the same boat as you.
14. Ask your doctor if he/she can arrange for social / psychological support for you and your family.
15. In most cases, Mesothelioma is due to exposure to asbestos. If you were exposed to it at your work-place, try to claim compensation from your employer. This money might come in useful for treatment, as well as caring for your family.
16. Voice your questions, concerns and queries to your doctor. Don’t be afraid to know more about your illness.
17. Bring a friend or a family member to your treatments and appointments. He/she will be able to give you good support.
18. Be informed about the pros and cons of each treatment. There are side effects, so you know what you are getting into, in terms of risk factors, potential response, and quality of life.
19. Come to terms with your illness, get psychological help if you feel you need it. Have faith.
20. Try to live life as much as possible. Find time for the activities you like. source:newmesotheliomapatient[dot]com
No comments:
Post a Comment