Cancer and mesothelioma support programs exist in a wide array of formats. Some groups are formal in nature and concentrate more on learning about cancer or dealing with feelings. On the other hand, some groups are informal and social. Furthermore, a few groups are composed only of individuals with cancer, while others include relatives or family members. Professionals run some of the groups, but a majority is self–help groups led by patients. Whatever the nature and format, a support group can play a pivotal part in helping you deal with the fears and problems posed by a severe cancer like mesothelioma.
Helping you find Mesothelioma Support Group
Doctors, nurses, or hospital social workers often are aware of the local cancer support groups, including their offices, size, type, and objectives. In addition, most of the newspapers carry a special health supplement offering information about where to find such groups.
A medical center that treats mesothelioma often has support groups specifically working for this type of cancer. You may also find support groups through the help of a union or occupational group.
Getting information from websites
For an individual with non-small cell lung cancer or malignant pleural mesothelioma, support groups can be crucial to both the patient and their family members. Furthermore, your oncology healthcare team and local cancer support organizations are also brilliant resources in this regard. They should be able to help you out in locating a support group that understands your requirements.
There are plenty of websites that have information regarding your disease and its treatment. It is of utmost significance that you discuss any website information that you are interested in with your oncology healthcare team. It can turn out to be pivotal, since the type of treatment you are getting may be different from what you have read about on the website. You may also be interested in discussing such information in support groups.
If you do not have access to the Internet, checking your local library can be a way to go. Moreover, if you are looking for online support specific to mesothelioma, you can call the National Cancer Institute and American Cancer Society. These people can help you find almost anything, provided that you get the right person to
answer your query.
I know what it's like to have cancer. I was diagnosed with it almost 5 years ago. Now there's another large tumor in my breast. I'm so tired. Please show me any support you can at http://mesotheliomalaw101.blogspot.com
I know what it's like to have cancer. I was diagnosed with it almost 5 years ago. Now there's another large tumor in my breast. I'm so tired. Please show me any support you can at http://mesotheliomalaw101.blogspot.com
My name is Lorraine Kember; my husband was a victim of asbestos. Having spent a few short months in the asbestos mining town of Wittenoom in Western Australia when he was seven years old, he was diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma at the age of 52 and given a prognosis of 3 to 9 months.
Determined to ease my husband’s burden I sought knowledge about mesothelioma and of the pain and symptoms my husband would experience as his disease progressed. I then sought knowledge on pain and how it could be brought under control. I learned a lot and came to understand that there was much I could do to help my husband cope with his disease. The pain and symptom management plan I then put into place dramatically improved the quality of his life.
Testament to this, despite his prognosis of 3 to 9 months, my husband survived for two years, remained active and alert and was not bed bound until 3 short days prior to his death. I have found much peace in the knowledge that I truly helped my husband. I definitely made a difference.
I believe the knowledge I gained in regard to pain management and symptom control for mesothelioma patients (and in fact for all cancer patients) and the quality of life that can be achieved through it – is too valuable not to be passed on and have written a book about my caring journey in the sincere hope of bringing inspiration and strength to others.
My book titled 'Lean on Me' Cancer through a Carer's Eyes which is highly recommended by cancer councils and palliative care organizations world wide; includes the methods and tools I used to control my husband's pain and symptoms.
My book also includes many excerpts and poems from my personal diary (in which I wrote daily throughout the two years of my husband's illness and beyond). These very emotive pieces offer a rare insight into ‘anticipatory grief’ and the roller coaster of emotions experienced by those who are caring for terminally ill loved ones.
I invite you to visit my website www.lean-on-me.net to view Dr's recommendations, Reviews and Readers Letters.
In 2004 as a result of writing my book, I was an invited speaker at the Global Asbestos Congress held in Tokyo Japan and have since moved into public speaking on a professional level.
I remember well the hopelessness I felt upon my husband’s diagnosis and the strength I found when I realized that I could help him. I want to bring that strength to others.
If you are caring for a loved one with mesothelioma don't feel alone - visit
www.lean-on-me.net
