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Receiving a diagnosis of malignant mesothelioma is a heartbreaking and difficult experience for the patient as well as for family and loved ones. It can feel shocking, as if your whole world has been turned upside down. Many feel anger, loss of control, and overwhelm when first told they have a diagnosis of terminal mesothelioma cancer.

Mesothelioma is a cancer in the lining of the heart, lung, or abdominal cavities that is caused by exposure to asbestos. Asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral fiber, is known for its thermal insulating and fire resistant properties. Asbestos was a low cost and easily available substance and therefore was used in many manufacturing, industrial, commercial and construction products. Because of widespread use, many workers and the general public have been and continue to be occupationally and environmentally exposed.

When asbestos is released into the air, it can be inhaled or ingested, causing serious lung diseases and cancers. When asbestos becomes lodged in the lining of the lungs, heart or abdomen, mesothelioma develops and currently there is no known cure. Because of a long latency period between time of first exposure and development of the cancer, mesothelioma often is not diagnosed until twenty to fifty years after first exposure.

Despite improvement in diagnostic methods and increased knowledge about mesothelioma, symptoms are difficult to diagnose and often the terminal cancer is not diagnosed until it has reached advanced stages. Most patients diagnosed with mesothelioma have a short life expectancy, although research into new drugs and treatments holds promise of lengthening survival times and quality of life.

For anyone diagnosed with mesothelioma, as well as their loved ones, facing a diagnosis of terminal mesothelioma can be daunting and heartbreaking. Initially, many will have feelings of shock, anger, sadness, and denial. Some will eventually come to terms with the fact they have a terminal cancer, while others will resist accepting the reality of their diagnosis. A variety of emotions and questions will arise as end of life concerns are explored and discussed.

When coping with a diagnosis of mesothelioma, the following steps can help:

1. Build a Network of Support: find support through family and friends, as well as doctors, specialists, nurses, and palliative and hospice care workers. Make sure that there is at least one person in your circle of support that you feel comfortable talking about your concerns and fears over having cancer and facing death. Communicate your wishes and do not be afraid to ask for what you need from those caring for you. Include people who are compassionate and helpful, and limit time with those that are draining or upsetting. Learning about options for palliative and hospice care will help increase where and how you spend your remaining days and is shown to increase overall quality of life.

2. Learn, Learn, Learn: Learn as much as you possibly can about the type of mesothelioma you have, including causes and stages of the disease. Learn about frontline treatments as well as investigate new drug therapies and alternative treatment options. If you are physically or emotionally unable to do so, ask for help from a good friend or family member. There are many clinical trials which may lead to extended survival time and improved quality of life. Ask your mesothelioma specialist if there are any clinical trials in the nearby area that you would qualify for.

3. Explore all avenues of compensation, both legal and medical: Know what medical and health benefits are covered by your insurance. Consult with a mesothelioma lawyer who specializes in asbestos lawsuits who will help you get financial compensation to offset loss of wages and medical costs. Even before the 1960’s, manufacturers knew that asbestos was a threat to health and yet did not warn or protect employees and the general public from exposure and risk of disease. An experienced mesothelioma attorney will readily identify possible sources of exposure, quickly file an asbestos lawsuit, and maximize monetary recovery.

4. Explore local and on-line support groups: Treatment centers usually have support groups that hold regular meetings. If a local group is not available, national and on-line support is also available and can provide many resources. Often joining a support group and hearing others share about their experiences helps someone newly diagnosed learn more information and gain confidence in sharing their own concerns and wishes.

5. Nurture yourself and relationships with family and friends: You and your loved ones can benefit from spending time together during such rough times. For many, this is the time to talk about the past, healing and celebrating past times together. Talking about fond and happy times of the past can decrease pain and stress and ease anxiety and fear.