A mesothelioma diagnosis can be devastating not only for you but also for your family and friends. To regain a sense of control, try:
Know enough about mesothelioma to make decisions about your care. Write down questions to ask your doctor. Ask your health care team for information to help you better understand your condition. Good places to start looking for more information include the National Cancer Institute and the American Cancer Society.
Surround yourself with a support network. Close friends or family can help you with everyday tasks such as getting to appointments or treatment. If you have trouble asking for help, learn to be honest with yourself and accept help when you need it.
Looking for other people with cancer. Ask your health care team about cancer support groups in your community. Sometimes there are issues that can not be solved by other people with cancer. Support groups provide an opportunity to ask these questions and receive support from people who understand your situation. Support online message boards, such as the Survivors Network of Cancer American Cancer Society can provide similar benefits while allowing you to remain anonymous.
Plan ahead. Ask your health care team about advance directives that give your family guidance of your medical wishes in case you can not speak for yourself.
