Mesothelioma is a life-threatening and rare cancer that begins in the lining of the lungs.

All cancer can be deadly. We can sometimes make some suppositions on what brought cancer to be. Sometimes we do not know at all. In the case of Mesothelioma, it is usually pretty clear.

While it may not be one of the most visible kinds that are actively campaigned against, mesothelioma is one of the more aggressive cancers. It’s often found in those who have had exposure to toxins such as asbestos, often through their employment.

If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, following the instructions of your health care provider is priority number one. However, with the revelation of such a life-altering event, it can be easy to feel lost about what to do next. Here, we have a few tips on how you can deal with a mesothelioma diagnosis and live as best as possible.

Understanding the diagnosis and your options

The unfortunate truth is mesothelioma is often fatal if not treated quickly enough. The life expectancy at stage 1 is 20 months. Diagnosis at stage 3 is most common. At this stage, life expectancy is 16 months. Depending on when it is caught, there are different options. Surgery is often most recommended to remove the tumors from the body.  Chemotherapy, radiation, or immunotherapy usually follows in an attempt to wipe the cancer cells from the body. There are promising developments in anti-cancer medications being worked on at the moment. Most people diagnosed receive a suggestion of surgery.

Acknowledging the emotional impacts

A mesothelioma diagnosis can be a very scary thing to deal with. The impact that it can have on our mental and emotional health can be profound.  Your friends and family may be able to help by talking to you but that often is not enough. It should be no surprise that a lot of people have trouble dealing with the topic of cancer beyond the basics. You may want to consider seeing a counselor. Local cancer support groups can help. In these groups, you can share your experiences with others who are going through a similar time to you. Having the opportunity to share your feelings with someone is important.

Taking steps to improve your health

Making changes to your lifestyle isn’t going to reverse your diagnosis, by any means. However, there are steps you can take to help your body better deal with both the symptoms of the illness itself as well as the physical toll of cancer treatments. Improving your performance status by increasing your activity level can help. It’s important to recognize that mesothelioma can affect your lung capacity so talk to your doctor about what exercises are safe to do. Nutrition can also play a big role, and you might want to look about getting in touch with a cancer dietitian, who can help you craft your eating habits to better suit your needs at the moment.

Standing up for your rights

The vast majority of cases have been found in those who have had the experience of living, working, or being around asbestos. If you have been made to work or be around asbestos without the proper protections, then the state’s top mesothelioma attorneys may be able to help you. The costs of dealing with mesothelioma are high. These costs include medical, counseling, and the impact it can have on your life. A cancer diagnosis will cause you to miss work and experience other profound effects. Consequently, financial stress will be lowered if the responsible party picks up the check.

Considering the long-term possibility

Mesothelioma is not always fatal.  Only 20% of those diagnosed with its most localized form survive five years past the diagnosis. However, while it might be difficult to think about, it may be a good idea to start considering what happens if you lose in the cancer fight. Talking about planning your estate, writing a will, and thinking about how you want to be remembered can offer you some sense of control over what comes next and you can make sure that you’re taking care of your family as best as possible. The end comes to us all, and having the opportunity to prepare can be of some help.

Nobody can tell you what to do. People can share their experiences. People will tell you what they think you should do. However, when diagnosed with a serious illness it is up to you. Hopefully, the tips can help you better manage your health, mind, and life.

I strongly believe that we should be very clear about exactly what we want when we die. It is a gift no one wants but it is a gift that everyone needs.

Cancer runs in my family. Breast Cancer… Diffuse Large B Cell Lymphoma… I am taking my own advice.