Mesothelioma: Not Like Other Cancers
Yesterday there was a blog posting that suggested that those diagnosed with mesothelioma should take a positive attitude. The author of the posting went on to say research shows being diagnosed “was one of the best things that ever happened to me”, could be motivational, and helps to make one a stronger and wiser person.
As mesothelioma attorneys who specialize in handling only lawsuits for clients diagnosed with this disease, we would like to express our disappointment that such an article was published. Articles such as this minimize and discount the truth of having mesothelioma, which is a very difficult, painful and fatal cancer.
The majority of people diagnosed with mesothelioma have little recourse or hope. Current standard mesothelioma treatments (surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy) have not shown much success in slowing the progression of the disease nor helping with symptom control. These treatments also have major negative side effects. On top of that, most people diagnosed with mesothelioma don’t survive the year.
Mesothelioma is different than other cancers. It is extremely rare, very aggressive, and has no known cure. In addition, malignant mesothelioma is often resistant to frontline therapies. Furthermore, this type of cancer is very difficult to identify due to a long latency period between time of exposure and development of symptoms. Symptoms of mesothelioma are similar to other diseases, making accurate early identification challenging. Therefore, most cases are not diagnosed until it has reached advanced to later stages, making it even more difficult to treat.
While other cancers which can be more easily identified in early stages, have more effective intervention methods, and have the possibility of being cured, mesothelioma does not. Anyone who has been diagnosed or known someone diagnosed with mesothelioma would never characterize it as “one of the best things that ever happened” in their lives.
There are some take their own or their loved one’s diagnosis as an opportunity to review life, deal with unhealed past events or relationships, and make new choices that are inspiring. However, often mesothelioma moves in so quickly and painfully and does not allow such openings. Many patients diagnosed with mesothelioma are lucky to get their affairs in order and get financial help for the remaining family members before the disease takes them.
While we encourage our clients diagnosed with asbestos related illnesses to get support and take advantage of any palliative and alternative therapies that ease physical, emotional and psychological suffering, we have overwhelming empathy for how devastating this cancer can be.
If our clients feel despair, we don’t tell them to be positive- we offer comfort and try to get them the results they want as quickly as possible. We offer support to the family members and help them connect to any and all resources available to ease their pain and suffering. We celebrate in the small successes and grieve with family members when death inevitably comes.
If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma or know someone close to you that has, support is essential. There are ways of dealing with the disease that can make the suffering less. If you would like some help or further information about mesothelioma resources, please call 1-800-440-4262.
