Mesothelioma Cancer Diagnosed: Dealing With Emotions

People deal with and react to having cancer in different ways. There really isn't a right or wrong way to behave or feel regarding this disease and it is easily forgotten that partners, family and friends will need support as well.

Initial response, not only from the patient, is often disbelief..."There must be a mistake! The test results must be wrong!", followed by questions on cures, care and 'anything that you can do for me' issues. Shock sets in.

Naturally the patient will be afraid and unsure about his future. Though they may not show these reactions outwardly, they almost certainly will be thinking about them. Don't assume that just because they appear 'brave' on the outside that they are 'taking it well'.

Some patients will find it easier to talk with family and friends about their future than others do. Doing this may help the patient themselves come to terms with the diagnosis. Conversely, there are those that find it difficult to talk about it to anyone. It that is the case then let them be. The patient has the right to be firm on the issue, in the short term anyway.

On the other side of the coin, friends and relatives may appear to be denying the diagnosis, changing the subject and playing down the patient's worries and anxiety during conversations. Perhaps its a coping mechanism for some people. Nevertheless, the patient should confront them about these responses; they may be hurtful and it isn't going to help the patient if he/she wishes to discuss the matter.

Anger will almost certainly show itself in one way or another. Often anger is aimed at those closest to the patient and the medical staff treating them. Patients shold not feel guilty about being angry and irritable. It is aimed at the illness and not others. It might be difficult, but the patient could explain this to them, or show them relevant leaflets.

If the patient believes that your mesothelioma was caused by an employer and exposure to asbestos, they may feel resentment towards them. They could contact and or join a group that has been set up to deal with such issues. The patient may feel some relief through this strategy and there may even be some legal claim to be instigated.

Some patients may want to be left alone for a period to 'sort themselves out' but friends and relatives may find this a difficult period as they naturally want to help. The patient could reassure them that they will discuss the issues when they are ready.

Strong emotions are to be expected and dealt with. For both patient, friends and relatives.

(c) Paul Curran, CEO of Cuzcom Internet Publishing Group and webmaster at Information on Mesothelioma, providing information about mesothelioma and mesothelioma news.

In The News:


pen paper and inkwell


cat break through


Acoustic Asbestos Ceiling Removal, Is It Necessary?

Homeowners with acoustic asbestos ceiling question about the effects of... Read More

Mesothelioma Help

According to the National Cancer Institute, mesothelioma is a malignant... Read More

The Asbestos Disaster - Who Is To Blame

The ancient Greeks, Romans and Egyptians were all aware of... Read More

Malignant Mesothelioma

Malignant mesothelioma, a rare form of cancer, is a disease... Read More

How to Treat Mesothelioma from Asbestos Exposure

There are many forms of treatment for Mesothelioma. Their effectiveness... Read More

How Is Mesothelioma Treated?

Most people who develop mesothelioma have worked on jobs where... Read More

Mesothelioma Attorneys and Asbestosis Treatment Data

Mesothelioma attorneysIt is very important to work with specialized mesothelioma... Read More

Lung Cancer Discoveries

There is a new way to treat lung cancer with... Read More

Mesothelioma in the UK

Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that affects the external... Read More

Wittenoom Graveyard

Despite the known fact that Wittenoom is responsible for many... Read More

Mesothelioma Cancer - What to Tell Children

The amount of information you should give them depends on... Read More

Protect Against Mesothelioma by Avoiding Asbestos

Mesothelioma is a rare cancer that attacks the body's mesothelial... Read More

How to Sense Low Levels of Asbestos in Your Daily Environment

My discovery came to me by accidentally removing an asbestos... Read More

The Facts About Lung Cancer - Better To Be Aware

Keep yourself abreast of facts about lung cancer, as the... Read More

Mesothelioma

Tragically the word mesothelioma is becoming more and more well... Read More

Lung Cancer-Non-Smokers at Risk!

Most of us non-smokers feel we've got little to worry... Read More

Symptoms of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is an extremely nasty and permanent cancer that infects... Read More

Does It Pay to Get a Mesothelioma Attorney?

Mesothelioma is a serious form of rare cancer. There is... Read More

Asbestos Litigation ? Some Basic Facts About The Process

When Should I Consult an Asbestos Attorney?If asbestos diseases have... Read More

Mesothelioma Information Help

Depending on the stage of the disease, the most common... Read More

Mesothelioma Cancer and Asbestos

Mesothelioma is a form of cancer which occurs in thin... Read More

Coping With Cancer-A Family View

An often forgotten feature of dealing with cancer is what... Read More

Mesothelioma Lawsuit

Mesothelioma is a cancer of the linings of the heart,... Read More

Mesothelioma or Asbestos Cancer

Mesothelioma: What is it?Mesothelioma is a malignant cancerous disease of... Read More

Asbestos and Mesothelioma

Asbestos is a dangerous and potentially deadly substance that was... Read More

Lung Cancer: The Bad and the Worse

In terms of deaths caused by various forms of cancer,... Read More

Mesothelioma - an Asbestos Related Lung Cancer

Mesothelioma is a form of cancer located in the lining... Read More

L&S Announce Steps to Protect Against Asbestos & Mesothelioma

Lewis and Sholnick have announced the publication of some simple... Read More

What Are The Risk Factors For Mesothelioma?

Working with asbestos is the major risk factor for mesothelioma... Read More

Mesothelioma Book - Review

"Lean on Me" Cancer through a carer's eyes Lorraine Kember... Read More

Mesothelioma Cancer

Mesothelioma is a type of cancer involving mesothelial tissues of... Read More

Peritoneal Mesothelioma

Peritoneal mesothelioma is a rare disease. The tissue lining the... Read More

Who is at Increased Risk For Developing Mesothelioma?

Since the late 1800's Asbestos has been mined and used... Read More