Finding out you’ve been diagnosed with malignant mesothelioma, or peritoneal mesothelioma can come as a shock at any stage of life, but especially when you’re a parent or grandparent.
You probably want nothing more than the reassurance that you’re going to be there to care for and interact with the precious children in your life for years to come. It’s important to consider the emotional trauma that can result from your mesothelioma diagnosis. Taking steps to deal with your apprehensions and fears is a vital aspect of your treatment.
Your Emotional State Can Impact Your Overall Well-Being
The physical side effects of mesothelioma can actually be exacerbated when you ignore your emotional state. But if you find effective outlets for common feelings associated with a diagnosis, you may enhance your lifestyle. There are a number of different options you could try to process your emotions in a healthy way.
Develop a Support Network
Finding a local support group or getting involved in one-on-one therapy sessions with a counselor who’s experienced at helping cancer patients cope could prove highly beneficial for you. There is strength in numbers.
Talking to a group of other cancer patients who can sympathize with your feelings is often a huge relief.
Hearing ways they were able to effectively cope with their diagnosis can be empowering. Honestly expressing your frustrations and fears in a non-threatening, accepting environment can provide a much-needed release of pent-up emotions.
Consider Encouraging Loved Ones to Seek Support
If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, your family and friends will undoubtedly be facing emotional battles of their own. You can let them know that you’re in favor of them joining a support group for loved ones of cancer patients if they feel led to do so.
Your children, grandchildren, spouse, or other family members probably want to stay as positive and strong around you as possible, so they may suppress many of their negative emotions.
But it’s normal for them to feel overwhelmed during this difficult time as well. Finding others who are experiencing or have experienced similar circumstances can be a big morale booster for them.
Learning to Live One Day at a Time
One of the biggest struggles those diagnosed with mesothelioma often face is uncertainty. You may be uncertain about your treatment options, the symptoms of your condition, your prospects for the future, and the toll it’s all going to take on your family. You may not feel like you have the time or energy to be the kind of parent or grandparent you want to be. These feelings are completely normal.
Learning to take life one day at a time, be good to yourself, and not feel guilty for anything beyond your control can help both you and your family to cope.
If you or a loved one are suffering from a chronic illness with a high mortality rate, remember your biggest challenge is always you. Keeping some of the above in mind is by no means an all-encompassing solution to coping, but it could be a good start.
For the month of March and in honor of Colorectal Awareness Month, please say a prayer for those living and/or affected by mesothelioma related cancers. <3
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