Patients and family members can feel very devastated and in shock when first facing a diagnosis of malignant mesothelioma. Many feel their worlds entirely shaken. Being diagnosed with a terminal cancer like mesothelioma often causes one to feel powerless, afraid, disbelieving, sad, and angry.

Mesothelioma is a cancer in the lining of the heart, lung, or abdominal cavities that is caused by exposure to asbestos. Asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral fiber, is known for its thermal insulating and fire resistant properties. Asbestos was a low cost and easily available substance and therefore was used in many manufacturing, industrial, commercial and construction products. Because of widespread use, many workers and the general public have been and continue to be occupationally and environmentally exposed.

Asbestos can cause serious lung diseases and cancers when released into the air and inhaled. One type of cancer is mesothelioma, an incurable cancer caused when asbestos becomes lodged in the lining of the lungs, heart or abdomen. Mesothelioma is often not diagnosed until ten to forty years after first exposure because of a long latency period.

Despite improvement in diagnostic methods and increased knowledge about mesothelioma, symptoms are difficult to diagnose and often the terminal cancer is not diagnosed until it has reached advanced stages. Most patients diagnosed with mesothelioma have a short life expectancy, although research into new drugs and treatments holds promise of lengthening survival times and quality of life.

Facing and coping with a diagnosis of a terminal cancer like mesothelioma can feel devastating and be extremely difficult for both the individual and for loved ones. Common first reactions for everyone are shock, denial, anger and grief. Some will reach a stage of acceptance, while others remain resisting and fighting the reality of having mesothelioma. Patients and families will be experience many complex emotions and face having to explore end of life concerns and wishes.

When coping with a diagnosis of mesothelioma, the following steps can help:

1. Build a Network of Support: find support through family and friends, as well as doctors, specialists, nurses, and palliative and hospice care workers. Make sure that there is at least one person in your circle of support that you feel comfortable talking about your concerns and fears over having cancer and facing death. Communicate your wishes and do not be afraid to ask for what you need from those caring for you. Include people who are compassionate and helpful, and limit time with those that are draining or upsetting. Learning about options for palliative and hospice care will help increase where and how you spend your remaining days and is shown to increase overall quality of life.

2. Get Information: Find out as much as possible about mesothelioma, including information about stages, types, and causes. Inform yourself about standard treatments but also research new and alternative treatments and drug therapies. Ask for a support person to help you look into all the options if you are unable. If eligible, consider participating in a clinical trial which could extend your survival time and improve overall quality of life. To find out if there are any clinical trials suited for you, ask your mesothelioma oncologist.

3. Learn about your sources of medical benefits and legal compensation: Know your medical and health benefits and what is covered by your insurance. Also, anyone diagnosed with mesothelioma should consult with an experienced asbestos attorney to receive additional financial compensation to help with loss of wages and treatment costs. Manufacturers knew of the dangers of asbestos since at least the early 1960's if not before and yet failed to warn or protect workers and the public from exposure and illness. A mesothelioma attorney who specializes in filing asbestos lawsuits will be able to help you identify the source of your exposure and be successful in maximizing your financial recovery.

4. Take Part in Support Groups: Hospitals often have support groups that meet on site. National and on-line support groups can also provide useful resources. Sharing with other people who are experiencing the same situation can provide you with information and help you to feel comfortable talking about your own concerns.

5. Take good care of yourself: Spending time with loved ones and family members can help during when times get tough. Talking about past times together, good and bad, can create healing and connection. Sharing about current events as well as good times of the past can help lighten ones mood and decrease pain and anxiety.

Many will come to accept that despite clinical trials and new treatment options, the best that can be hoped for is extended survival time and improved quality of life since mesothelioma is an incurable disease. Mesothelioma patients and their families who take the steps above can realize that although they may not be able to change the diagnosis of mesothelioma, they can have choice around how to treat the illness and move forward in ways that make a positive difference.

For more information, please call toll free 1-800-440-4262.