The symptoms of mesothelioma and other asbestos-induced diseases aren't the only problems that cancer patients and their families have to deal with. A mesothelioma diagnosis leads to many life changes, and readjusting schedules, tackling heavy topics with family members and facing a horrific illness on a daily basis can take a toll on the psyche of anyone in this situation. Distress is a real issue associated with a mesothelioma diagnosis, but there are ways to address it and lessen the impact it has on you and your family. Who experiences distress? Distress is persistent, and brings … [Read more...]
mesothelioma coping
Can Hypnotherapy Really Help Cancer Patients?
If you watched cartoons as a kid, you may be familiar with jokes about hypnotism, in which characters are put into a trance and unconsciously compelled to do wacky things they would not normally do, whether it's getting into some mischief or quacking like a duck at the sound of a certain word. In all seriousness, though, hypnotism can be very valuable in a medical context, even for lung cancer and mesothelioma patients. We know how difficult it can be to cope with the symptoms of cancer as well as the side effects of treatment. Pain and anxiety can significantly decrease your quality of life, … [Read more...]
Caring for Your Emotions with a Mesothelioma Diagnosis
A mesothelioma diagnosis can bring forth an overwhelming variety of emotions for patients and their families. It is totally normal for you to feel sadness, anger, anxiety, guilt, confusion or loneliness. You may even find yourself feeling numb, like your mind has shut down your emotions. Yet in these very difficult times, it is important to address your emotions early and often so that you can stay mentally strong as you go through treatments. Always keep in mind that there is no “right” way to react to having mesothelioma. How you feel is how you feel. Here are some strategies for caring for … [Read more...]