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Helping a spouse who has been diagnosed with mesothelioma can be a challenge. Although there is good news on the horizon, the survival rate for this rare form of cancer remains nil. The shock of the diagnosis is enough to send both spouses reeling in sometimes opposite directions. One may grieve while the other is angered. Both reactions are normal and to be expected. Naturally, if a spouse has mesothelioma you want to be as helpful and encouraging as possible. Here are some tips for helping.
You want to find your spouse the best care possible. This may mean traveling long distances, being away from home and family. This can take an emotional toll on the spouse with mesothelioma and should be discussed when choosing the treatment facility.
Because mesothelioma is physically painful, some forget about the emotional toll. Because this cancer is likely to take your spouse from you and those they love, now is the time to focus on keeping them in good spirits. One of the biggest things to avoid is treating them differently. Avoid hushed tones and speaking as if they are not present. Although your intentions may be good, such as wanting to keep quiet so they can rest, your spouse may become depressed if kept out of normal conversations.
Did the two of you joke or poke fun at one another? Do not stop. Treat them as you always did. If you must cry, take it out of earshot.
The normal thing to do when learning of the diagnosis is grieve. There is no wrong or right way to grieve and both you and your spouse will do so in your own way. Let them and do not be too hard on yourself. Just give each other the space to feel what must be felt.
Remember too that there will be a myriad of financial and future planning which must be done. Do not leave your ill spouse out of these decisions. Just as you made decisions in the past as a couple, continue to do so after the diagnosis. Not only is this practical, but your spouse will be comforted in knowing that you and the other members of your family will be fine.
If guidance is needed in helping a spouse with mesothelioma, contact a support group. There is nothing wrong with seeking advice and tips from people who have gone through it themselves.
The Philadelphia mesothelioma lawyers at Brookman, Rosenberg, Brown & Sandler have been helping spouses and their families cope with the impact of this cancer for decades. We provide compassionate, caring attention to our clients, and will do all we can to ease their suffering. Though we are not physicians, we do what is in our power to help. This means locating those responsible for the mesothelioma and making them cover the costs. We know that helping spouses ease the financial burden can free them to cope with other aspects of this terrible illness. To learn more, contact us online or call now 800-369-0899. We help clients throughout Philadelphia County, Chester County, Delaware County, and New Jersey.