Supporting a Loved One with Mesothelioma: Practical Tips for Caregivers

It’s natural to want to do everything you can to care for a loved one with mesothelioma—a type of cancer that results from over-exposure to asbestos.

However, being a caregiver can be overwhelming. It’s a big job, after all. You may be responsible for managing your loved one’s doctor’s appointments, transportation, shopping, and more. Not to mention, you may need to help them with daily activities like bathing, dressing, and cooking. 

With so much on your plate, it’s important that you don’t burn yourself out. Overextending yourself isn’t good for you or your loved one.

So whether you’re a first- or long-time caregiver of someone suffering from mesothelioma, here are four practical tips on how to succeed: 

1. Learn about the disease

Study mesothelioma all you can so you can better understand your loved one’s condition and how to help them. 

Mesothelioma is a cancer that affects the mesothelium, a thin layer of tissue that covers most of your internal organs. There are four types of mesothelioma: pleural, peritoneal, pericardial, and testicular mesothelioma. However, the majority of cases (75-80%) are pleural mesothelioma. 

Unfortunately, symptoms for mesothelioma usually don’t appear until years after asbestos exposure. Symptoms can include chest pain, shortness of breath, coughing, abdominal pain, weight loss, and more. 

To learn more about mesothelioma, visit reputable medical sites online or ask your loved one’s doctor. Learning more about the disease can boost your confidence as a caregiver and help you know how to help.

2. Join a support group

For practical advice and encouragement, join a support group. There are about 3,000 new mesothelioma cases diagnosed each year, which means there are many caregivers out there in the same boat as you. 

Join an online or in-person support group with other mesothelioma caregivers. Those who have been at it longer than you may have tips on how to be more efficient or provide emotional support as someone who understands what you’re going through. 

3. Take care of yourself

Caregivers are human. They have needs, too. So don’t sacrifice your own health by overextending yourself. This not only hurts you but leaves you less capable of helping the one you want to care for. 

If your health is suffering, here are some self-care practices to try:

• Exercise. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity and two days of muscle training per week. 
• Eat properly. A balanced diet helps prevent nutrient deficiencies. Also, make sure to get three meals per day. Avoid skipping meals and resorting to fast food.
• Socialize. Humans are social beings. We need social interactions to remain emotionally and psychologically fit. 
• Maintain a regular schedule. Don’t let caregiving take over every hour of your day. Make sure you set aside time to relax and recharge. Take regular breaks and the occasional time off.
• Try yoga or meditation. Mindfulness practices can help calm your nerves and relieve stress. Even a few minutes per day can work wonders. 
• Regularly go to the doctor. Keep up with your own doctor visits, so you can detect potential illnesses and conditions before they become more serious. 

4. Ask for help

Lastly, there’s no shame in asking for help. Caregiving is rarely a one-person job. It takes a team of family and friends to rally around the person in need. 

So host a family meeting, where you can discuss your loved one’s needs, delegate duties, and coordinate the best way to meet those needs. 

Don’t feel you have to go it alone. There’s help available. If needed, consider hiring professional caretakers to lighten your load. You can still share the financial expenses with family and friends. 

Adding it all up

Caring for someone with mesothelioma isn’t easy. But you can make it easier on yourself by adhering to the guidelines above: learn all you can about the disease, join a support group, take care of yourself, and ask for help. If you do, you and your loved one will be better for it.