Learning you have mesothelioma can send your world spinning. It’s scary. You may feel anxious, overwhelmed, or depressed – and you may not know how to cope with these feelings. At SWMW Law, we’ve represented thousands of mesothelioma victims and know from experience how daunting the path you’re on can be. You’re not alone, and we’re here to help you find the resources you need to persevere and move forward.
Prioritizing Mental Health
The emotional upheaval that accompanies a mesothelioma diagnosis is considerable and inevitable. However, these feelings of fear and anxiety do not define you or your journey. Incorporating mindfulness practices into your daily routine, such as meditation or gentle yoga, can anchor your thoughts, providing a sense of tranquility in the chaos. Sharing your thoughts and feelings with a mental health professional can also offer therapeutic relief.
Emphasizing Physical Activity and Nutrition
Mesothelioma may impose limitations on your physical abilities, but oncologists highly recommend exercise during cancer treatment and recovery. Light exercise, such as walking and stretching, can lessen fatigue, increase muscle mass and strength, positively impact your mood, and improve your quality of life. It’s important to remember that your body is going through a lot during cancer treatment. When exercising during your battle with mesothelioma, listen to your body and rest when you need it.
Additionally, nutrition plays a critical role in bolstering your health. Nutrition and diet may help mesothelioma patients support their immune systems, maintain a healthy weight, and preserve muscle. A healthy, balanced diet, complete with fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains, nuts and seeds, healthy fats, and plenty of water, can fortify your immune system and provide the energy required for your body to combat the disease.
Managing Treatment
Gaining a comprehensive understanding of your treatment options is an integral part of moving forward and regaining control over your health. Collaborate closely with your healthcare team to devise a personalized treatment plan that aligns with your unique needs and preferences. Your doctors’ appointments are your time to ask questions and make sure you understand your diagnosis, your treatment plans, and what to expect during and after treatment. Some people find it helpful to make a list of questions to ask during appointments. Never be afraid to ask questions, seek second opinions, and search for answers. When you become an advocate for yourself and are involved in making important treatment decisions, you will feel more in control of your destiny. If it feels too overwhelming, don’t be afraid to ask a loved one to help you on your quest. You deserve to be fully informed and comfortable at each step of your journey.
Support Groups
Living with mesothelioma can bring about all kinds of feelings you may not be used to experiencing. You may have anxiety or depression or feel especially lonely, even if you have a circle of friends and family to support you. This is completely normal.
Sometimes it helps to talk to someone who’s been in your shoes and knows exactly what you’re going through. There are support groups available that will welcome you with open arms and provide a level of support you can’t find anywhere else. Check with your healthcare team or your patient advocate for support groups in your area.
Understanding Your Legal Rights
For those with asbestos-related diseases like mesothelioma, you may want to seek legal advice. Exposure to asbestos causes mesothelioma, and hundreds of companies knowingly exposed employees and families to asbestos throughout the 20th century. This exposure can lead to a mesothelioma diagnosis that can prove devastating for victims and their families. And that’s not your fault. Today, many of these companies can be held liable for their negligence, giving you the financial security to pay for your medical care and to take care of your family when you are unable to do so. At SWMW Law, we’ve helped recover more than $750 million for victims and their families, and we are prepared to fight on your behalf to secure the justice you deserve that will help you move forward.
Rediscovering Your Inner Strength
Living with mesothelioma isn’t easy. It will involve changes that can be intimidating and often scary – but there are ways to combat those fears and make the best of your “new normal.” Knowledge is a powerful source of strength. Arming yourself with a plan and information can help take away the fear of the unknown and leave in its place a strong, resilient version of yourself that you didn’t know was possible. You are more than your diagnosis; you are an individual of tremendous strength and resilience, and this journey is merely one chapter of your broader narrative.
Remember, you are not alone on this journey. Our compassionate, understanding, and resolute team at SWMW Law is committed to standing with you every step of the way as you move forward. We are dedicated to helping you navigate the emotional, physical, and legal challenges that accompany a mesothelioma diagnosis, providing the guidance, support, and resources you need to reclaim control of your life.
When you are prepared to take the next step in your journey, we are ready to take it with you. Contact SWMW Law today, and let our experienced team guide you towards the justice and compensation you rightfully deserve. Together, we can transform this challenging chapter into a narrative of hope, strength, and resilience.
