Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer that begins in the mesothelium, or thin lining on the surface of the pleura (lungs), peritoneum (abdomen), or pericardium (heart). Malignant mesothelioma is primarily caused by asbestos exposure.
Asbestos is an insulating, fire-resistant material once commonly used in all types of insulation, ceiling and roofing products, brake linings, and cement. Currently, about 2,500 to 3,000 new cases are diagnosed in the United States each year with higher numbers occurring in other parts of the world.
Mesothelioma is difficult to diagnose. Most diagnosis occurs when patients are in their 50′s to 70′s as there is a long latency period between the initial time of exposure and the development of symptoms. In addition, mesothelioma is often mistakenly identified as another type of cancer or respiratory illness. Because of these issues, most mesotheliomas are not diagnosed until after the disease has progressed to advanced stages.
For many mesothelioma patients and their family members, there are months of struggle in finding out the diagnosis and then going through medical interventions, only to find out that the cancer is too advanced for further treatment. “Advanced mesothelioma” means the cancer has spread to other parts of the body and can not be cured or is beyond the stage of responding to any kind of therapy.
Learning that your cancer is untreatable and you have only a short time to live can cause feelings of devastation, anxiety and fear. It can be hard to accept that most patients with this type of cancer typically live less than a year.
Despite being overwhelmed, patients and caregivers can take certain steps that may help during such a challenging time. Asking questions and getting an idea of what to expect and what options do exist can help. Also, make sure that the quality of care from your medical team remains high and consistent. Open up conversations about any concerns, regrets or wishes you may have so that there isn’t a sense of unfinished business. Most importantly, write down or share your specific desires about how you wish to live and die with someone who can make that happen as the cancer progresses. For some, joining a support group where they can freely share concerns, fears and grief can provide relief and comfort.
Other avenues to explore are whether there are any existing treatments that could slow the progression of the disease or help alleviate any pain or side effects. Palliative care and hospice workers should be able to help keep the patient in as much comfort as possible. Find out from your oncology specialist what other options may exist in your area.
Standard therapies (radiation, chemotherapy, and surgery), alternative treatments, hospice and/or home care are the typical options for patients diagnosed with Stage IV mesothelioma. Usually your medical team, made up of doctors, nurses, family members and yourself, will make choices based upon your specific situation and needs. Advance care directives will help to make sure that everyone follows your wishes about treatments and interventions up until the end.
Cancer takes a toll on everyone, physically and emotionally. Being able to have conversations about dying can sometimes help patients as well as loved ones to experience more control, dignity and peace. It helps to have strategies in place and a good support network. Advance planning can help relieve any financial, legal or emotional burden on your loved ones and help them in their own grieving process. It can be hard to bring up topics related to death. Yet, talking about death openly can be essential to avoiding potential problems later.
Being diagnosed with advanced stage mesothelioma is challenging. For some, it is also a time for resolving unfinished business, dealing with regrets, realizing what is important in life, and really feeling gratitude for the moments of kindness, peace and love that exist. Every person has their own reaction and approach to dying. It’s important to be mindful that not everyone will be comfortable expressing thoughts and emotions about approaching the end of life, and to respect individual preferences.
For help covering medical costs or getting financial compensation, it is best to contact an asbestos attorney who specializes in handling cases involving mesothelioma. Like doctors who specialize in asbestos related diseases, a mesothelioma lawyer will have an expertise that can help you more effectively and quickly than general practitioners.
Many times a mesothelioma patient or loved ones regret not asking certain questions and having specific conversations before the cancer has progressed too far. If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with malignant mesothelioma, do not be afraid or wait too long to have the conversations needed to make sure you have the most choice possible in the final months ahead.
Sally Clapper represents the law offices of Clapper, Patti, Schweizer & Mason, mesothelioma lawyers that have given legal representation to people with mesothelioma for over 25 years. The firm has several expert asbestos attorneys and is recognized as one of the leading plaintiffs’ mesothelioma law firms in the country.
