MESOTHELIOMA 101: A Simple Guiding Self-Help to Conquer Mesothelioma

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Low self-esteem is not just an unpleasant feeling. In some cases, it can lead to behavior changes that impact your physical health. If you don’t feel worthy of help from loved ones, you may reject offers of help or not ask for help when you need it. Ways to Boost Self-Esteem The Meso Foundation’s Caregiver Support Group: If you’re a caregiver, dial in with other caregivers and receive the affirmation and validation you may need as you care for your loved one.

Most mesotheliomas are thought to be related to asbestos exposure. Asbestos is a mineral that's found naturally in the environment. Asbestos fibers are strong and resistant to heat, making them useful in a wide variety of applications, such as in insulation, brakes, shingles, flooring and many other products. Self-esteem by definition is one’s appraisal of their worth or value as a person. It is similar in many ways to self-confidence, which is trust in your abilities, qualities and judgment. American Cancer Society. “What a Cancer Caregiver Does.” Retrieved from https://www.cancer.org/treatment/caregivers/what-a-caregiver-does.html. Accessed on November 28, 2022.Darlison, L., Taylor, B., Harrison, M., Gardiner, C., & Ejegi-Memeh, S. (2021). Understanding the palliative care needs and experiences of people with mesothelioma and their family carers: An integrative systematic review. Retrieved May 10, 2023, from https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/pdf/10.1177/02692163211007379 Surgery to decrease fluid buildup. Pleural mesothelioma may cause fluid to build up in your chest, causing difficulty breathing. Surgeons insert a tube or catheter into your chest to drain the fluid. Doctors may also inject medicine into your chest to prevent fluid from returning (pleurodesis).

The American Cancer Society encourages mesothelioma caregivers to work with friends, family, and even professionals to see if they can get help with their caregiving duties. There is no shame in getting help.

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Mesothelioma caregivers have their own lives to attend to, which very likely include family and work. Despite this, they must learn to adapt to wearing many new hats and meeting the demands of their additional responsibilities.