Mesothelioma Coping Strategies
NJ Mesothelioma Attorneys Help You Manage a Cancer Diagnosis
Coping with the emotional and physical effects of a mesothelioma diagnosis can be difficult. You may have questions about your prognosis, treatment and symptoms as well as financial concerns for yourself and your family. Most importantly, you should speak with your doctor and find out what treatment options are available. Then, you should take steps to maintain your health and manage any symptoms you have. Finally, qualified mesothelioma attorneys can help you cope with the financial aspects of this kind of diagnosis by advising you of your legal options for compensation through an asbestos lawsuit.
At Keefe Law Firm, our personal injury lawyers have a long and successful history with mesothelioma cases and asbestos litigation. Our mesothelioma attorneys have obtained many multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements in these kinds of cases. If you are coping with mesothelioma or another asbestos-related disease, our lawyers are here to answer your questions.
Below, our law firm provides coping strategies for many aspects of a mesothelioma diagnosis:
- Learn all you can about mesothelioma.
- Maintain a support network of friends and family.
- Take care of yourself physically and emotionally.
- Manage the pain.
- Maintain your weight.
- Treat anxiety and depression.
- Seek legal counsel from experienced mesothelioma lawyers.
Learn all you can about mesothelioma.
Do not be afraid to ask your doctor questions about mesothelioma. There are no “stupid questions.” A mesothelioma diagnosis can be frightening, but the more you know, the more you can be an active participant in your treatment. Keep a journal or diary of questions and concerns, and bring it with you each time you visit the doctor.
Inquire about recommended treatments, including the nature of surgery and possible side effects of treatments like chemotherapy. Also ask about the availability of clinical trials, and discuss with your doctor whether or not any of these may be effective in your case. Family members should ask questions, too, especially if you are helping a loved one with medication or other aspects of mesothelioma treatment.
If the progression of your illness is beyond effective treatment, you may wish to ask your doctor what symptoms you can expect. You may also want to inquire about pain medications and other therapies that can help you manage these symptoms.
Maintain a support network of friends and family.
A support system can help you cope with anxiety as well as the physical and emotional pain following a mesothelioma diagnosis. Your support network may include family and friends, the healthcare community, formal support organizations and/or informal social networking or e-mail groups.
Although you may have to curtail some of your activities, it is important to stay as involved with others as you can. Staying in contact with friends and keeping up with events, hobbies and the world around you are critical tools in living with mesothelioma.
Take care of yourself physically and emotionally.
Good nutrition, moderate exercise, and getting adequate rest can help combat the stress and fatigue associated with mesothelioma. You might also consider seeking out a spiritual adviser or trusted friend who can listen to any concerns you may have. Remaining positive can help you maintain your physical and emotional wellbeing. Additionally, staying fit can help you combat many of the symptoms of mesothelioma.
Manage the pain.
Pain management is one of the most important aspects of mesothelioma care. The type of pain treatment that relies on drugs is called pharmacological therapy. Medications can help you cope with pain as well as other symptoms of mesothelioma.
Non-pharmacological therapies include exercise like yoga, walking or light aerobics; behavioral techniques such as deep breathing, muscle relaxation, imagery, meditation, biofeedback therapy and distraction; acupuncture; and massage therapy. Pharmacological and non-pharmacological therapies can be used together to help you maintain your normal routine.
Maintain your weight.
Weight loss, a frequent side effect of mesothelioma and its treatment, can be managed by eating smaller, more frequent meals; by eating high calorie, high protein foods; and through nutritional counseling. You can also take medications to stimulate your appetite and help prevent nausea and vomiting.
Treat anxiety and depression.
One of the most common results of a mesothelioma diagnosis, or any cancer diagnosis, is depression. Anxiety about the future can also result, especially if you have children or family to care for.
Treatments to control anxiety include stress management techniques, counseling, support from family and friends, and control of pain and side effects through medication. Treatments for depression, which can affect family members as well as the patients themselves, include antidepressant medications, support and counseling as well as pain and/or stress management.
Seek legal counsel from experienced mesothelioma attorneys.
Mesothelioma is caused by asbestos exposure, which may occur up to 50 years before the cancer develops. Research has shown that the asbestos industry was aware of the potential dangers from the use of its products for many years. However, many companies failed to warn employers and employees of the risks of asbestos exposure. The manufacturers may be held liable for the damages experienced by injured workers.
After a mesothelioma diagnosis, talk to an attorney experienced in asbestos litigation to determine whether you may have legal recourse to recover for your injuries. Mesothelioma compensation can help pay your medical bills and give your family a secure financial future. Even if you are unaware of any history of asbestos exposure, mesothelioma attorneys will consider your work history and find when and where you may have come into contact with this toxic substance.
An asbestos lawyer from Keefe Law Firm can advise you as to whether you may have a valid claim for damages to offset your financial losses due to medical costs and missed work and to compensate you for your pain and suffering.We have offices throughout New Jersey, including in Newark as well as Red Bank, New Brunswick, and Point Pleasant. For more information or to speak with an experienced lawyer about your asbestos lawsuit, contact our law firm today.