What Interest Groups Are There for Mesothelioma?
Asbestos has been used around the world for decades in a wide range of products, including those used in the construction, automotive, shipbuilding, and firefighting industries. People can be exposed to asbestos at work or by using consumer products that contain the carcinogen.
Those who come into contact with asbestos at work can get it on their bodies and clothing. When they go home, they can unintentionally expose their family members to it. Asbestos can cause mesothelioma, asbestosis, and other forms of cancer
Mesothelioma is an aggressive form of cancer that is often detected after it has already progressed to an advanced stage. When the cancer has metastasized and spread to other parts of the body, it can be difficult to treat. Patients with mesothelioma can have a poor prognosis and may not live long after being diagnosed with the illness.
According to the American Society of Clinical Oncology, those diagnosed at a late stage have about a five-year survival rate, but only 10 percent live up to that point. At this stage, treatment options are limited. The survival rate may be higher if the disease is diagnosed when it is at an early stage and has not spread, but the survival rate is still low compared to some other forms of cancer.
Organizations Working to Prevent Mesothelioma and Improve Treatment Outcomes
The Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation is a nonprofit charitable organization that is working to improve outcomes by funding research to improve the treatment options available to patients with the illness. The group also advocates to secure federal funding to support mesothelioma research. In addition, the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation provides financial assistance to patients who are receiving treatment for mesothelioma and for their families.
The American Cancer Society conducts research to better understand the risk factors that contribute to cancer. Its overarching goal is to improve outcomes and to enhance the quality of life for patients with all forms of cancer. The American Cancer Society also identifies gaps in current cancer treatment practices and supports policies that are intended to address those gaps.
The American Lung Association is working to develop a variety of diagnostic tools, such as nasal swabs, blood tests, and radiological tests that can be used to determine whether lung abnormalities detected via imaging tests are benign or cancerous. It is also developing tests that will be able to detect recurrences of cancer early so that patients can receive care quickly. In addition, the American Lung Association funds grants to support research.
The Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization was founded in 2004 to increase public awareness about the dangers of asbestos around the world. Its goal is to have asbestos banned worldwide to protect people from exposure to the carcinogen via their jobs, the environment, and the use of consumer products.
The GO2 Foundation for Lung Cancer aims to save, extend, and improve the lives of people who have cancer and those who are at risk of developing the illness. It works to increase funding for cancer research from both the public and private sectors, to end stigma, and to ensure that people who need cancer treatment have access to it.
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To learn more about interest groups for mesothelioma patients, call Pintas & Mullins Law Firm at (800) 217-6099.
How Do I Find A Mesothelioma Support Group?
Processing a mesothelioma diagnosis can be tough to do, and your loved ones will also need to process on their own while supporting you, too. Relying on their support alone may be difficult as they may not fully understand everything you are going through, and you may want to find others who have a mesothelioma diagnosis, too.
That can come in the form of a mesothelioma support group, and finding one may take a bit of research on your part as mesothelioma is one of the rarer types of cancer. Learn more about how to find a mesothelioma support group either online or in your area.
The Benefits of a Mesothelioma Support Group
When you meet with others who may be experiencing the same things as you, then you are able to be around those who will empathize with you and help you realize you are not alone in your fight against mesothelioma. It may also help your loved ones. They can meet with other families who are going through this, too, and get a chance to speak with them.
Speak with Your Doctor About Your Needs
An important part of your care during treatment for mesothelioma involves your mental state. You need to have a support system around you, and if you feel like you need more support than what you are getting, then speak to your doctor about it. Many times, your doctor or other healthcare professional will have information regarding local support groups that you can join. There may be cancer support groups, or you may be able to find support groups that are specific to mesothelioma, depending on where you live. This support can be very important to your treatment plan.
Go Online for Mesothelioma Support
While it is always best to be prudent when speaking to people online, there are many support groups who thoroughly vet any applicants. Social media may be a good place to start, as there are groups across Facebook and other platforms that may be able to give you some of the support you need. Mesothelioma organizations may also have groups you can join and there are specific websites created for this very function. A simple Google search will reveal some groups that you can join, such as:
- Cure Mesothelioma Group on Facebook
- Cancer Support Community Website
Your doctor or caregiver can help you choose the best support group for you and your specific needs, so talk with them about the ones you have found.
Find Support with a Mesothelioma Lawyer
If you have recently been diagnosed with this cancer, then you could possibly be entitled to compensation. A mesothelioma lawyer can help provide you with the support you need to find the right compensation fund for you, as there are many out there and you could potentially be able to file with more than one.
Contact the team at Pintas & Mullins Law Firm at (800) 217-6099 to set up a free consultation where we can talk about your case and help you figure out your next steps.
For a free legal consultation, call (800) 217-6099
Does Mesothelioma Cause Fatigue?
Yes, mesothelioma causes fatigue to the body, and it is one of the many changes a patient will experience because of the illness. Fatigue is often a side effect of cancer treatments, but it may also result from sleep deprivation, poor nutrition, and inactivity. Left unaddressed, it results in a vicious cycle that further weakens a diagnosed patient.
Why Mesothelioma Patients Get Tired
Generally, cancer-related fatigue is severe and prolonged compared to the usual tiredness of healthy individuals. Many factors can lead to it, such as the following:
Mesothelioma
Cancer cells release cytokines, which are proteins that cause fatigue. Some malignancies affect hormone levels, use up more energy, weaken the muscles, and damage the internal organs, worsening a person’s tiredness. Pleura mesothelioma patients suffer from chronic chest pains that exhaust them further.
Cancer Treatments
Treatments like chemotherapy and radiation therapy focus on cancer cells but also destroy healthy ones in the process. The cleanup of cell waste uses up energy, leading to fatigue. Moreover, wounds from surgery are painful and can weaken the patient.
Side effects of some treatments include anemia, nausea, vomiting, pain, insomnia, appetite loss, and mood changes may also contribute to a patient’s tiredness.
Changes in Activity Levels
Patients tend to slow down after receiving their diagnosis. Engaging in vigorous activity can significantly increase their fatigue. Moreover, they may lose sleep, have less appetite, overthink, or suffer from anxiety because of the diagnosis, taking its toll on their body.
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Mesothelioma Symptoms
Mesothelioma does cause fatigue and other related issues. See your doctor immediately if you feel:
- Dizzy or nauseous
- Confused or disoriented
- Unable to get out of bed or sleep
- Heaviness in your arms and legs
- Inexplicable prolonged weakness
- Difficult breathing
- Losing your balance
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Treating Fatigue
Mesothelioma-related fatigue is treatable if your doctor can identify its underlying cause. For instance, blood transfusions will address anemia, mainly if it is a side effect of treatments. Medical interventions and medications may help relieve fatigue but only up to a certain extent and depending on the cause. It is possible that what you are experiencing is depression rather than tiredness because of their similarities in symptoms; sometimes, it can be both. Seek a mental health professional to receive proper diagnosis and treatment.
How Do You Manage It?
Eliminating mesothelioma-related fatigue is not always possible, and symptoms can last for as long as you have cancer. With the help of a physician, you can learn how to manage it so that it is less debilitating.
Use your energy only when it matters. Monitor the times when you feel the most energized so that you can perform activities during these periods. Whenever you feel weak or tired, take a short nap to rest instead of forcing yourself to continue.
Keep your energy up by eating nutritionally balanced food and drinking lots of fluids but skip caffeine and alcohol since these can exacerbate the feeling of tiredness. Regular moderate exercises build up stamina, boost energy levels, and ease fatigue; however, avoid overdoing it as it may yield the opposite results.
Having mesothelioma not only leads to physical fatigue but also of the psychological kind. Know that you can seek compensation for your pain and suffering when you consult a legal professional from Pintas & Mullins Law Firm. Their asbestos injury lawyers are always ready to help. Call (800) 217-6099 for a free case evaluation today.
What Are the Emotional Effects of Mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer that affects the lining of the lungs or other organs in your body. If you or a loved one were diagnosed with mesothelioma, your life can change in many ways. You may be experiencing financial difficulties, deterioration of your physical health, and could also suffer from the emotional effects of mesothelioma.
According to the American Cancer Society, the emotional effects of mesothelioma may include:
- Feeling overwhelmed
- Stress, anxiety, and depression
- Sleeplessness
- Loneliness
- Positive feelings such as gratitude and hope
As you struggle to cope with the reality of your diagnosis, it can be difficult to manage the emotional roller coaster you may be living on. It is important to remember that you likely have many resources available to help during this time, including professional counselors and therapists as well as friends and family.
Potential Causes and Risk Factors of Mesothelioma
While anyone can be diagnosed with mesothelioma, there are several potential causes of this disease, as well as risk factors that can affect your likelihood of a diagnosis.
Potential causes and risk factors of mesothelioma include but are not limited to:
Exposure to Asbestos: Asbestos is a fibrous substance that is used in many building products, such as insulation, as well as other everyday products. The American Lung Association reports that the federal government has banned the use of asbestos in certain products, but still allows it in others. While asbestos has been linked with mesothelioma later in life, not everyone who comes in contact with asbestos will develop mesothelioma. While you have likely been exposed to asbestos at some point, the intensity and duration of exposure can greatly affect your chances of a diagnosis. If you were unnecessarily exposed to asbestos through your job, where you lived, or in any other way, a third party may have put your health at risk. In some cases, wrongful exposure to asbestos can be grounds for legal action.
- Age: Mesothelioma is much more likely to occur in older adults, with the majority of diagnoses occurring after the age of 70. Regardless of when a diagnosis occurs, it can be completely life-changing and difficult to process emotionally.
- Gender: Men are at a higher risk of mesothelioma than women.
- Race: Caucasians suffer from mesothelioma at a higher rate than other races, although anyone can be diagnosed with this serious disease.
According to the American Cancer Society, about 3,000 cases of mesothelioma are diagnosed in the United States each year. If you or a loved one is exhibiting symptoms of mesothelioma such as chest pain, persistent coughing with unusual discharge, sudden weight loss, nausea, fever, shortness of breath, or any other health irregularity, you should seek medical attention immediately.
If you or a loved one were diagnosed with mesothelioma, a healthcare provider can help determine your best treatment options based on a number of factors. You may also want to consider treatment options for managing the emotional effects of mesothelioma, as a diagnosis can completely change your life in a very sudden and difficult way.
Treatment Options for Mesothelioma
Deciding on your treatment options for mesothelioma is an important decision that should be made under the guidance of a medical professional. Generally, treatment should encompass both a physical and emotional approach.
Treatment options for mesothelioma depend largely on several factors, including your age, general health, and the stage of the cancer. Chemotherapy is a method that is sometimes utilized to target cancerous tissue. In other cases, surgery could be advised to remove cancerous tumors or masses. If your mesothelioma is severe, treatment options could be limited. In these cases, palliative measures are prescribed to keep patients as comfortable as possible as they battle the disease.
Treating the Emotional Effects of Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma can be particularly challenging in an emotional sense, as you could be experiencing many different feelings that abruptly uprooted your life. Remember that there are many ways to find and get support while coping with the emotional effects of mesothelioma. Some individuals find solace in joining support groups with others who have experienced or are living through a similar diagnosis. Professional counselors are also available to work with you if you are interested in discussing your situation in a more intimate setting.
As you juggle emotional changes with doctor appointments, feelings of fatigue, and other physical difficulties, it could be useful to have close friends or family members available to help support you with your daily needs. If you do not have anyone specific in your life available to help, there are caregiving services that can support you as well.
Cancer is life-changing in almost every way. Remember that you are not alone, and you have options to get the emotional support you need. Understanding these options can help improve your quality of life during this time, allowing you to focus on your physical battle and recovery.
How Can I Improve My Mesothelioma Prognosis?
Lung cancer may generally be difficult to cure in its advanced stages, but you may improve your mesothelioma prognosis by engaging in doctor-advised therapies. Therapies available to you may include:
- Chemotherapy
- Surgery to target the cancer
- Targeted therapy, which may involve the use of medication
- Relatively new forms of therapy which are in the clinical stage
It is ultimately your decision what steps you are willing to take to prolong your life and potentially improve your mesothelioma prognosis. You might speak to your doctor about what treatment options could help.
Determining Your Prognosis
The Centers for Disease Control and PreventionMen are at a higher risk of mesothelioma than women. (CDC) explains the steps your doctor may take to determine your prognosis for recovery or life expectancy. During the staging process, your doctor may determine:
- How far cancer has spread in your lungs
- Whether cancer has spread to your lymph nodes, and if so, how far
- Whether cancer has spread to the rest of your body
After doing this, your doctor will assign a stage to your cancer. The stage of your cancer may affect whether you can beat lung cancer or how long your prognosis may be for living.
Your doctor might then work with you to plan a course of treatment. Treatment may allow you to improve your mesothelioma prognosis. The National Cancer Institute explains that your options may include:
Treatments Still in Clinical Trial Stages
While these sorts of treatments may have a less established track record of success, they may also offer the potential for a health outcome that you seek. Each clinical trial should be considered independently, though.
Surgery
Surgeons may be able to remove part(s) of your lung afflicted by cancer or other parts of your body that have become cancerous.
Chemotherapy
The Mayo Clinic explains that chemotherapy involves using powerful chemicals to target the cancerous cells’ growth within the body. There are several different drugs used to complete chemotherapy.
Radiation Therapy
This therapy involves the use of radiation to target and kill cancerous cells. The Mayo Clinic explains that radiation may be used externally with X-rays or placed inside of your body.
You may have other treatment options available. Your doctor may advise you on which treatment(s) they believe have the best chance of improving your mesothelioma prognosis.
Some Prognoses May Not Be Improved
Cancer can be an unrelenting foe, and sometimes a prognosis leaves little to no room for hope of recovery. Whether you have caught your mesothelioma at an early stage, or it has progressed to an advanced stage, finding out that you have lung cancer may be a startling realization.
Working with your doctor may be the clearest way to improve your prognosis. You may want to seek multiple opinions regarding your mesothelioma, as the disease may lead to some of the most critical decisions you will make. This can include your course of treatment, among other things.
Call Pintas & Mullins Law Firm Regarding a Possible Settlement
A lawyer can assist you with matters adjacent to your cancer, including liability issues for your mesothelioma. Call Pintas & Mullins Law Firm today at (800) 217-6099 for a free consultation about how we can help you in the wake of a mesothelioma diagnosis.
Exploring Your Legal Options
Any cancer diagnosis, including mesothelioma, is bound to completely change your life in nearly every way. You could have legal options available to help you recover compensation if your condition was potentially caused by a third party. Many cases of mesothelioma originate from exposure to asbestos or other dangerous substances. If you or a loved one were wrongfully exposed to asbestos—or if you experienced a form of medical malpractice or negligence that worsened your condition—you may have grounds for legal action.
Mesothelioma can have many emotional effects on your life, and you deserve justice. To learn more, contact Pintas & Mullins Law Firm today at (800) 217-6099 for a free consultation with a member of our team.
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