Category: 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!
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Mesothelioma Nurse Encourages Families to Celebrate Their Loved Ones
This past month, an older couple left a big impression on all the health care team members that they encountered. The patient, the woman, was bubbly and talkative; her husband was reserved and quiet. Together they were devoted to each other with an unshakable bond. They were a team facing mesothelioma, but it was not going as planned. Through their stay, before surgery, after surgery, and through the woman’s complications, one thing was clear: they loved each other.
They are a very loving couple, they have had a wonderful life together, but now she has mesothelioma and he is helping her. Their goal was to be home for the holidays. To have one more Christmas and to welcome in one more New Year in their own home, with their family and their traditions. The road has been short from diagnosis to this point. They have followed their mesothelioma team’s recommendations, but, unfortunately, she has not responded to the treatment as hoped.
They are now facing some big decisions about what is next. As their journey with mesothelioma continues, the rhythm of their lives is forever altered. They will be home for the holidays, savoring every moment, creating memories together, as they have been before mesothelioma. Together they will face the next chapter in their lives, and together they did make it home.
As we celebrate the holidays, remember to enjoy your loved ones, celebrate the joy in life, and remember to reach out to someone who might be alone and having a hard time this holiday season.
A Happy, Healthy New Year to all!
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.
The Magic of the Holidays is Carried on in the Next Generation
This time of year can be quite trying for someone who has lost a loved one to mesothelioma. From Thanksgiving to the New Year, it is a time when family and friends get together to celebrate the beauty and love of the holidays. At times, there are treasured stories retold of those we mourn; then, there are the times when we feel an emptiness as we gaze at the chair that used to be occupied by someone we cared for deeply.
For me personally, that time of grief really begins in October at the anniversary of my Dad’s passing. It is a time when I look back fondly on all of our memories, but then I realize quickly that the first weeks without him were largely over the most festive times of the year. We went through the motions that first year, trying our best to carry on our same customs like we know Dad would have wanted. It was difficult, but we somehow muddled through. Now, we have had some time to “adjust” and still try to keep things as traditional as possible.
Last year, with the addition of my daughter, things changed again; this time, for the better. She brings so much joy and light to the lives of my family and friends, that it’s not hard to realize that she takes after her grandfather. My Dad was always the one who brought everyone together; now, it seems as though the torch has been passed on to her. Seeing her makes me feel as though Dad is still with me in a very real way, making Christmastime magical all over again.
Free Mesothelioma Patient & Treatment Guide
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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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