Effects of a Mesothelioma Diagnosis on Family and Friends

Asbestos exposure can cause a type of cancer called mesothelioma. A mesothelioma diagnosis does not only affect the patient. It also affects the patient’s family and friends. This article discusses some of the effects a mesothelioma diagnosis can have on different family members and friends.

How Can a Mesothelioma Diagnosis Affect Spouses?

After learning of a mesothelioma diagnosis, one of the first people a patient may want to discuss the illness with is their spouse. However, the truth is that discussing mesothelioma with a spouse may not be easy. After receiving the news, a spouse may feel the same way their sick spouse feels. A spouse may feel scared. They may also feel sad, anxious, or helpless. Some spouses even go into denial and choose not to talk about the sickness.

But, if a patient wants to discuss their illness with their spouse, they should try it before concluding that having the discussion will be difficult. How a family handles a mesothelioma diagnosis depends on several things, such as how it has functioned as a family in the past. For example, if a family openly talks about things and shares their feelings with each other, they may be able to talk about a mesothelioma diagnosis.

If talking about mesothelioma with a spouse proves difficult, a professional counselor may be able to help.

How Can a Mesothelioma Diagnosis Affect Adult Children?

An adult child may have difficulty coping after learning that their parent has been diagnosed with mesothelioma. After a parent is diagnosed with mesothelioma, the child becomes the supporter, both financially and emotionally. If a child cannot spend much time with their sick parent, for example, because they live far from their parent, it may make them feel guilty. Additionally, when talking about mesothelioma with their sick parents, children may feel scared to express their feelings of anger or resentment over the diagnosis.

How Can a Mesothelioma Diagnosis Affect Parents?

When an adult child who stays with their elderly parents is diagnosed with mesothelioma, it may disrupt the parents’ lives. Elderly parents may have to be cared for by other family members or healthcare professionals.

How Can a Mesothelioma Diagnosis Affect Friends?

Just like it is with family members, some friends may find it hard to talk about or cope with a mesothelioma diagnosis. But while some friends may find it hard to cope with a mesothelioma diagnosis, some friends are pretty strong. Friends may be waiting to be told what they can do to show their friendship. Friends can help in many ways, including running errands and completing house chores.

Usually, coping with mesothelioma is hard for family and friends if it is discovered late. For this reason, it is advisable for a person with a history of asbestos exposure to see a doctor without delay. Early detection can make it easy for the patient, family, and friends to cope and improve a patient’s chances of recovering.

Nationwide Mesothelioma Lawyers

If you or a loved one were diagnosed with mesothelioma, contact our office to speak to one of our experienced nationwide mesothelioma attorneys about your situation. Our office can help investigate your case and determine if compensation can be sought from negligent parties to help pay for your medical treatment.