Mesothelioma is a fatal lung cancer typically contracted via asbestos exposure. The news of a diagnosis can be devastating for the patient and friends and family members.
If your loved one has been diagnosed, you may feel lost as to how you can help. Here are a few things to keep in mind.
Be a listener
Sometimes, the best way to support someone is simply to listen. Be that person at the end of the phone at any time of day. Knowing that they are never alone can help someone to deal with the news of a diagnosis.
Routine visits
Frequent visits can help someone facing a diagnosis stay in a routine. Your visits can be something they can look forward to each day. During your visits, you can engage in fun activities to relieve their stress, at least for a while.
As devastating as a mesothelioma diagnosis is, it can help those diagnosed to remember that their health condition doesn’t need to dictate their life.
The practical things
Often, the practical forms of help matter most. You can run errands, grab groceries and provide your loved ones with lifts to doctor appointments. Running errands and doing chores may seem insignificant, but that isn’t the case.
Legal options
Another way that you can help is to remind your loved one of their legal rights. If they were exposed to mesothelioma, then financial compensation could be an option. This won’t undo the diagnosis, but it can help with medical costs and other expenses. Seek legal guidance to find out more about mesothelioma claims.