Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer, often caused by asbestos exposure that happened decades ago. When a parent is diagnosed, it can send shockwaves through the family. This guide will provide some answers about how best to move forward while giving your parent the support they need.
Learn About the Diagnosis Together
Photo by Anita Monteiro on Unsplash
One of the best places to learn more about a diagnosis is a mesothelioma support group. There’s only so much you can learn from your research at home, and support groups offer something deeper. You’ll find practical advice from other families who’ve been or are going through the same thing. They also provide incredible emotional support and a real sense of community and solidarity.
Help With Practical Tasks
Dealing with the medical side of mesothelioma can feel like a full-time job. There seem to be endless tests, appointments, and medications to remember . Plus, there’s all the paperwork to fill out, from insurance forms to legal documents. Support your parent by asking what they need help with, like driving them to the clinic or keeping track of questions for the doctor.
Give Them Space to Feel
Naturally, you want the best for your mom and dad, but you also have to realise you can’t control every situation. Yes, your parent’s mesothelioma diagnosis affects the whole family, but it’s also theirs to experience, cope with, and process. They may feel quiet, tired, or sad, or they could also feel normal. Both are valid responses and should be respected. Let them talk if they want to, or just sit with them in silence. Do the research and join support groups when they’re ready, and let them go at their own pace. It’s a fine line between being supportive and caring vs. being pushy or overbearing.
Look Into Resources to Make Life Easier
Many tools and resources are available to help at every stage of the diagnosis. Aside from support groups (in-person and online), ask your healthcare provider about:
- Legal aid: Your parents may be entitled to compensation if they were exposed to asbestos in the workplace
- or meal delivery
- Social workers or patient navigators
- Help with travel or lodging during treatment
It’s good to know what options are available, even if your parent doesn’t need them right now. However, speaking to a legal expert early doors is usually a wise idea as they can guide you through the next steps.
Endnote
A mesothelioma diagnosis can be scary, and it’s perfectly acceptable to feel the full range of emotions, from worry to sadness, and helplessness to anger. The important thing is to support them by being steady, honest, and kind. Small things are often most appreciated, like making dinner, writing down questions, or simply spending quiet time together. Advocating for their legal and medical rights is another way to help. Keep checking in, keep showing up, and don’t forget to give yourself the support you need.
