Finding out that someone you love has malignant mesothelioma is life-altering news. With so many questions and feelings swirling around in the early days of diagnosis, it’s natural to wonder what you can do to help. This guide will cover how to best be there for them, including practical steps and compassionate ways to provide meaningful support.
1. Educate Yourself, But Take It Slow
Learning about malignant mesothelioma, a rare type of cancer caused by asbestos exposure, can help you understand what your loved one is going through. Try reading up on it little by little, but try not to take in too much information at once as that can leave you exhausted and overwhelmed, which doesn’t help either of you. Take it slow, and prioritize details that will help you anticipate your loved one’s needs.
2. Offer a Listening Ear
Being a calming presence helps more than you might imagine. Let them talk about their worries, frustrations, and fears; even the small stuff. Remember, it’s not about trying to fix their problems. As natural as it is to want to find a solution when a loved one presents you with an issue, practice not doing it. You’ll quickly see that just lending an ear can provide comfort in ways that words often can’t.
3. Lighten Their Load
An easy way to support a loved one with this rare type of cancer caused by asbestos exposure is to show up for them physically, as well as emotionally. Accompanying them to healthcare appointments, driving them to the shop, or helping with meal prep can make a massive difference. Offer to keep track of their medication schedules or organize their insurance paperwork; small actions like this allow them to focus on healing.
4. Create Positive and Comforting Routines
When someone’s world is upended by a cancer diagnosis, daily routines are invaluable for their grounding abilities. You could suggest doing some gentle activities together, like reading, watching a favorite TV show, or crafting. These simple comforts provide a sense of stability in uncertain times. The act of doing things together can also strengthen your close relationship, and art-based activities have therapeutic advantages too.
5. Encourage Connections to Support Groups
While you can provide all the love, care, and support you can possibly muster, you’ll never be able to understand exactly what they’re going through. Other mesothelioma sufferers and survivors can identify with the exact challenges and feelings your loved one is experiencing.
If you can’t find a group in your area, there are plenty of options for support online. Talking with others who can empathize is extremely cathartic and can, incredibly, improve survival rates. Sometimes, just knowing they’re not alone in their struggle is enough to lift their spirits.
Being There for Your Loved One
Whether it’s a family member or friend, helping a loved one with malignant mesothelioma doesn’t have to be complicated. The most important things to remember are to take the time to learn about the disease, quietly but actively listen, provide logistical help, encourage feel-good regular activities, and help your loved one reach out to others who are going through similar experiences. These small but thoughtful gestures and consistent support can bring a world of comfort to them and you both.
