Getting Help When You Have Mesothelioma

Today’s Moderator:Dana Nolan, MS LMHC

Licensed Mental Health Counselor

Independence & Mesothelioma

Acknowledging the need for and accepting help from others is a challenge for many mesothelioma patients.

Why?Generally, our society values “independence”

more than “interdependence.”

(877) 626-5916

What Types of Help Would a Mesothelioma Patient Need?

Practical: Housework, running errands, grocery shopping, pet care, child care, picking up prescriptions, etc.

Emotional: Venting to family & friends, talking to other mesothelioma patients, psychotherapy or medication for depression, sleep or anxiety.

Financial: Not enough money to pay for copays, deductibles, insurance premiums, food, medication, medical equipment and household bills.

(877) 626-5916

What Types of Help Would a Mesothelioma Patient Need?

Transportation: Rides or flights to doctor appointments and treatment.

Physical: Difficulty walking requiring wheelchair, walker or person to help with showering and transfers, help with daily activities such as eating, drinking and dressing.

(877) 626-5916

Beliefs and Assumptions

Before getting sick, a person may have certain beliefs about people who need help:They are lazy.They are selfish.They are weak.They are entitled.

Sadly, people who are sick and need help are sometimes portrayed negatively and vilified for not being independent.

(877) 626-5916

Barriers to Help

We may have some feelings or thoughts that stop us for recognizing our need for help.Denial that we need helpShyness/passivityAnger at our diagnosisFear of loss of controlHopeless/helpless

(877) 626-5916

Barriers to Help (cont.)

Negative self-talk:I’m too embarrassed to ask for help.I’m weak.No one cares enough to help me out.No one has the time to help.If I want it done right, I’ll have to do it.

(877) 626-5916

Ask Yourself

If your best friend was diagnosed with mesothelioma and needed help from others, would you think they were weak, lazy or entitled?

Probably not! You would want them to ask for help and

would probably feel good that you could help.

(877) 626-5916

Finding Help

Your best resources: Family, friends, neighbors and co-workers who have offered to help.“Let me know if there is anything that I can do” is

a vague offer that is usually well-meaning and sincere.

Have a running list of what you may need help with so you can respond right way. Example: “Well, I need a ride to the lab next Monday if you can help out.”

(877) 626-5916

Finding Help (cont.)

It is best to match the kind of help with the strengths of the person offering help.Someone who gets queasy or anxious around

blood or needles is not the best person to sit with you in chemotherapy for an afternoon.

You may not want to vent tearfully about your fears around someone uncomfortable in the presence of tears.

(877) 626-5916

Finding Help (cont.)

Social workers and oncology nurses at your treatment center are usually knowledgeable about the resources in your area and the types of help cancer patients usually need during treatment.

Resources for cancer patients vary greatly across the country. Finding what is available locally is vital.

(877) 626-5916

Finding Help (cont.)

There are many national organizations that offer different types of assistance to cancer patients and their caregivers.

Some states and local organizations offer assistance as well. It is best to check with an oncology social worker in your area.

(877) 626-5916

National Organizations

TransportationAngel Flight is an organization with private pilots

who volunteer flying patients to their treatment.Corporate Angel Network is an organization that

works to fill unused seats on private or corporate flights with patients needing to get to treatment.

CancerCare offers financial assistance to some cancer patients needing help with transportation cost.

American Cancer Society’s Road to Recovery has volunteer drivers to help cancer patients get to their appointments.

(877) 626-5916

National Organizations (cont.)

Financial Assistance: Social Security Disability, Supplemental Security

IncomePatient Advocate Foundation Co-pay Assistance CancerCareHealthwell Foundation Needy MedsThese organizations offer a variety of financial

assistance to help with copays, transportation, medication, childcare and general expenses. See their websites for criteria.

(877) 626-5916

National Organizations (cont.)

Emotional Support“Coping with Mesothelioma” online support

groupCaring.com online support group for caregivers Find a Therapist/Psychology Today: Online

database to search for local counselors who specialize in cancer patients

(877) 626-5916

National Organizations (cont.)

Practical HelpCleaning for a Reason is a network of

professional cleaning companies that volunteer to clean the homes of women currently in cancer treatment.

American Cancer Society offers a database of free or reduced cost medical supplies and medical equipment.

(877) 626-5916

References

Bernay, T. (2006) When it’s cancer: The 10 essential steps to follow after your diagnosis. New York, New York: Rodale Books.

Note: Resources shared will listed in support group recap email.

(877) 626-5916

Contact Information

1-877-626-5916

(877) 626-5916

Facebook.com/themesocenter

@TheMesoCenter