The New Year is a time of reflection and planning for the future. Taking stock of some personal goals in the coming year can help you remain focused and tackle any challenges that may arise. For patients recently diagnosed with mesothelioma, the thought of planning for the future can be daunting.
It is especially important for those patients who have been diagnosed to know that those fears can be mitigated by making some simple but meaningful resolutions going into 2019.
Here are four possible New Year’s resolutions for mesothelioma patients, their families, and caregivers to help them through this difficult time:
- M – Make an effort to understand your mesothelioma diagnosis and learn about the disease. Since mesothelioma is such a rare form of cancer, most people who have been diagnosed know almost nothing about it. Educating yourself and your loved ones can significantly reduce the uncertainty and fear involved in coping with mesothelioma.
- E – Engage in fun activities with relatives and loved ones. Spending quality time with family is essential to your well-being. Good mental health is extremely important when dealing with a life-threatening illness and spending as much time as possible with the people closest to you is the best way to keep your spirits up.
- S – Seek out encouragement from caregivers and mesothelioma support groups. There are support groups and organizations that patients can join to talk with other people who have been diagnosed with mesothelioma. Support is vital to recovery and having someone to talk to who is also experiencing the same symptoms can reassure you that you aren’t facing this alone.
- O – Organize your documents so your caregiver has easy access to all important medical information. Worrying about trying to track down documents while you are undergoing treatment can cause unnecessary stress and can hinder your recovery. Having this information readily available can make visits to the doctor run more smoothly and can also help you and your family if you decide to file for legal compensation.
Our patient advocates can help educate you and your family on your diagnosis and answer any questions you may have. Karen Ritter, R.N, is our registered nurse on staff who can discuss your unique diagnosis and refer you to specialists and centers that offer the best mesothelioma treatments available.
We also have retired LCDR Carl Jewett serving as our VA-accredited claims agent who can help walk you through the claims and compensation process and can connect you to the best VA doctors who specialize in treating mesothelioma.
If you would like to contact one of our patient advocates please call 888-385-2024 or email karen@mesotheliomaguide.com or cjewett@mesotheliomaguide.com.
Happy New Year and best wishes for a healthy 2019!
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