Mesothelioma is a type of cancer caused by exposure to asbestos, usually from a workplace. It is believed that 90% of cases are related to occupational exposure and 10% to environmental (non-occupational) exposures such as secondhand smoke or home insulation. Mesothelioma patients often live with extreme pain and exhaustion, making it difficult for them to find support outside of medical treatment.
Support groups are an excellent way of connecting with other people who have been through or are currently experiencing similar circumstances as you. This post will offer tips on how mesothelioma patients can find emotional and social support while undergoing treatments and therapy.
Exploring Support Groups
The process of receiving a diagnosis for mesothelioma can be difficult, and it’s important to have resources available that can guide you through the journey. Patients with this condition are eligible for support groups, VA benefits, end-of-life care options as well as other programs that may help them through the tough times following diagnosis.
Survivors may continue to face physical and emotional obstacles, lose hope in themselves, or struggle with understanding what life will be like on the other side of their diagnosis. Support groups can be helpful on all these fronts. They allow mesothelioma cancer patients to connect with other patients, giving them a community to explore, learn more about the condition and come to terms with the inevitability of the illness.
Support group meetings provide a safe space where people share jokes during awkward moments; learn how best to cope after receiving bad news, gather insights from experts, receive guidance when there isn’t enough clinical trial data available locally—all while feeling supported by those experiencing similar circumstances.
Due to digital modernization, these groups have started to expand their reach with the inclusion of patients and doctors. They have also begun creating hybrid, online and virtual forums, which are an excellent way for family members to participate and understand how to better care for their loved ones or share their experiences and express feelings.
Mesothelioma Support Organizations
People suffering from mesothelioma need to be aware of different organizations that provide resources and professional assistance. These organizations create a sense of community among those diagnosed at any stage or currently fighting this life-threatening disease with chemotherapy and radiation for remission.
Here are some of the organizations that offer mesothelioma patients support and guidance:
Meso Foundation
The Meso Foundation is known to be a nonprofit organization that provides support to those struggling with mesothelioma. They conduct educational events for awareness, funding, and continuing research into treatments for the condition. The organization also looks after other initiatives designed to improve patients’ lives. The foundation also supports patients via Facebook groups and telephonic conversations for family members, extending their support digitally.
International Mesothelioma Group (iMig)
iMig is a group of scientists and doctors dedicated to curing mesothelioma. Their focus is the development of new treatments by conducting clinical trials around the world and sharing findings at international conferences twice yearly. Moreover, they also lead trials around the world at their bi-annual conference to keep the healthcare community updated on what works best when fighting back against these cancerous tumors.
The American Cancer Society (ACS)
Since its inception, the American Cancer Society has been a vital resource for those fighting cancer. The society offers support groups and services to help patients connect, geographically or otherwise, with others who are also suffering from the same disease.
Cancer Support Community (Broader Scale)
The Cancer Support Community helps you find your way through challenging times by providing support through access to live chat groups, forum discussion boards, and a phone counseling service that connects patients with helpline operators who can guide patients on housing resources or other types of assistance they may need.
Social Media Support Groups
The digital age is a new era for mesothelioma patients. With access to information, patients and their families can find support all across the internet and social media platforms.
The hashtag #mesothelioma on Twitter is a lifesaver for people with cancer. It provides news and information about treatments, clinical trials and other relevant topics that might be of use to those going through treatment or searching for alternative therapy options.
Facebook groups are also a great way to find support and make friends while undergoing mesothelioma cancer treatment. Reading other people’s stories can also give you an idea about what your future may hold and how to prepare ahead.
The power of social media knows no bounds when it comes to providing support for people living with cancer. Blogs, YouTube channels, and Instagram accounts allow users worldwide to connect in a way that could never happen otherwise. As a result, friendships are formed through pictures of different treatments (such as chemotherapy), and long-lasting bonds are established beyond the borders.
Final Thoughts
If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, it can be a tough time for not just yourself but your family as well. Many organizations offer both financial and emotional support, so look into them to make this time easy for yourself.
There are no one-size-fits-all solutions, but these groups can provide the support you need beyond medical treatment to live well.