Nurse is Continually Inspired by Mesothelioma Patients

• Lisa Hyde-Barrett
• Nurse's Corner, Uncategorized

As a nurse, I learn a lot about resilience from my patients. After some of the most challenging surgeries, I watch as patients and their families deal with pain, living restrictions and trying to get back into a normal life. But those who live day-to-day with mesothelioma never cease to inspire me. I am continually amazed at how people not only live with the effects of mesothelioma, but return to a daily routine.

In some situations, patients have to fight hard to not only beat the side effects of chemotherapy and radiation, but also the effects of this dreaded disease. These patients often have weekly, if not daily, medical appointments on top of battling this relentless cancer. It can all be daunting, but so many mesothelioma patients fight their symptoms and aggressively attack the disease so they can be there for their families.

It seems every day I get a wakeup call as to just how challenging life can be for chronically ill mesothelioma patients. Sometimes I am stopped dead in my tracks watching patients and their families grapple with the enormity of the disease – but they do and they keep moving forward.

Everyday can be a battle for mesothelioma patients, and I think we often forget about them. So if there is anything you can do to make just one day a little easier for a friend or loved one please do it. It will make a difference for you and the patient!

If you have questions about your mesothelioma treatment or any aspect of your mesothelioma care, please contact us.