Category: Faces of Mesothelioma
Cheer Up A Mesothelioma Patient With Some Fun Decorations
The winter blues. The long, cold, winter months can seem to last forever! For someone who may be extra sensitive to the cold or unable to leave their home, like many mesothelioma patients, it can be even more vexing.
With Valentine’s Day this week, it may be a nice idea to take a card, candy, or some small gift to your loved one. On St. Patrick’s Day, wear your favorite green and greet them with a shamrock! These are small things that could brighten up their days.
If the person happens to be in the hospital, check and see if you could decorate their room. Hanging a few simple decorations could be just the thing to lift their spirits. The same thing goes for their home… a little bit goes a long way.
Besides the holidays, paying a visit to someone with mesothelioma, their caregivers, or ones who may have been left behind, can make all the difference. As I always say, let them lead the conversation – they may be up to talking about their condition, or might not want to bring it up at all! Knowing that people care is one of the best gifts you can receive when dealing with any kind of trying situation; the mesothelioma community is no different in this respect!
During this cold season, warm it up with some hot cocoa, good company, and love. Remember that even though it may be dreary outside, it doesn’t take much to make the inside inviting and full of life!
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Mesothelioma Will Not Ruin My Memories
I think about my Dad all the time. He usually makes an appearance in my dreams. The problem with this is my way of thinking. No matter how happy the memory, or how funny the dream, I always seem to end my thought with, “but that was before he got sick.” Why can’t I let myself remember without the negative creeping in?
I struggle with this question often. My Dad was a funny, caring, loving man who would not want me to remember my time with him as anything but wonderful. I finally realized that by letting myself focus on the negative, I am demeaning my memories. I am depriving myself of all of the happiness that Dad brought to my life, and he deserves so much more than that. Mesothelioma didn’t define my father, why should I let it cloud my memory?
Mesothelioma doesn’t get to win anymore. This disease took my father, but I will not allow it to take his memory from me. It’s not always easy, but it’s worth the fight! From now on, I look back with fondness and with thanksgiving that I got to spend 30 years with the wonderful person I got to call “Dad.” I will reminisce with joy and not sorrow at all of the fun that we had, and I thank God that he gave him to my family.
It’s Time to Stand Up To Mesothelioma
A mesothelioma diagnosis, at any age, is devastating. This disease does not discriminate; it doesn’t care how old you are, your gender doesn’t matter, and it certainly does not have any esteem for your family. My Dad was 55 when he was diagnosed and 57 when he passed away. In the time since, he has missed the birth of his grandchild. He never got to see her crawl, witness her first steps, or hear her babble. He has been absent for three Christmases, two Easters, two of his own birthdays, and countless other events.
I recently had the privilege of becoming acquainted with a very young mother battling this disease. I’m so happy to say that she is doing well, but the fact that she ever had to deal with mesothelioma strongly angers me. For a woman in her youth to have to face such a difficulty is tragic.
I have been contacted by many people telling me that either they or a loved one are unfortunate members of the mesothelioma community. They come from all different walks of life and their stories are all different. The sad common denominator is this cancer. It is time for us all to stand up and say that enough is enough.
Please contact your state representatives to work toward increased funding for mesothelioma research. Tell them that you want asbestos banned in the United States, a country where it is still legal, but extremely lethal. Contact the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation and work toward a fundraiser, or make a donation. Pray for those affected. There are many ways to help, choose the one (or ones) that is best for you and let’s work to find the cure together!
Know more about Mesothelioma and how you can deal with it.
Your Presence Can Be the Best Present for a Mesothelioma Patient
As Christmas quickly approaches, we often scramble to find the perfect gift to give to our loved ones. When you are considering a present for a person or family dealing with mesothelioma, you may consider your presence also.
Many times, mesothelioma is a lonely road. Even though people come forward offering help and assistance, they may stay away in order to respect privacy or to avoid overwhelming those in the inner-circle. The truth is, the company is often welcome. Of course, call first to be sure that it’s a good day and time, but don’t stay away out of fear. Sure, there may be some people who shy away from guests for various reasons, but there are also some on the opposite end of the spectrum. My Dad was always happy to welcome family and friends, and those are some of his happiest times.
If you are looking for a more tangible gift, feel free to brainstorm, but also, you may just want to ask them if there is something that they would like! There may be something they need that they just haven’t been able to get out to purchase. Also, the person might appreciate a night out for dinner and a movie! Don’t be afraid to offer these types of things, but also don’t be disappointed if they say they would rather stay in. As I always say, allow the patient to dictate the environment around them.
From my family to yours, Merry Christmas! Don’t forget to stop and remember the true reason for the season and spend time with your loved ones. The memories made at this time of year are some that will last forever.
Advice to Mesothelioma Caregivers: Trust in Others
Watching someone you care about struggle with a mesothelioma diagnosis is an unbearable situation. You, yourself, are probably having a hard time as well, but feel as though you have to keep it all inside. Trust me when I say that this won’t help. It won’t make you a better caregiver, it won’t make you more supportive, and it won’t change your new reality. It is important to have some sort of outlet to express your feelings also.
By making sure that you are being taken care of, you will be more capable of helping the person you love. Find trusted friends and have an open and honest conversation. If you like to exercise, go for a long walk or jog. If art is more your speed, go to a museum or a class. You have to find what outlet works best for you individually. If you’re not sure what this may be, try something brand new! You might find joy in the most unexpected activities.
Also, it is very important to stay, or get, in touch with your faith. It will be the stronghold that carries you through this, and any tough times that you encounter throughout your life. Remember, it’s ok to ask for help. There are many support groups and organizations out there that will be able to assist you. The key is to find out what you need, and act upon this realization.
Free Mesothelioma Patient & Treatment Guide
We’d like to offer you our in-depth guide, “A Patient’s Guide to Mesothelioma,” absolutely free of charge.
It contains a wealth of information and resources to help you better understand the condition, choose (and afford) appropriate treatment, and exercise your legal right to compensation.
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