Asbestos is a material that contains minerals with carcinogenic properties. Asbestos can cause a wide range of diseases, amongst which mesothelioma is the most common. Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that occurs when a human being inhales asbestos fibers, which leads to a malignant tumor forming on the lining of the lungs, heart, and stomach. Symptoms of mesothelioma may include dry coughing, shortness of breath, high-grade fever, chest pain, muscles weakness, respiratory complications, and much more. The average life expectancy after contracting mesothelioma is approximately one year. So, without further ado, let us look at the steps you should take after contracting mesothelioma.
Consult With A Doctor
Talk to your primary care physician if you have symptoms related to mesothelioma. A doctor will provide you with the correct assessment. That said, the good news is that sometimes, signs might be down to something else, as mesothelioma is a rare cancer and requires years of asbestos exposure. Such cancer typically takes a long time to develop, and symptoms don’t usually show until ten to forty years after asbestos exposure.
If you’ve already received your mesothelioma diagnosis, chances are your doctor will keep you under observation and provide you with different treatment options. So, visit your doctor if you’ve constantly been exposing yourself to asbestos unintentionally.
Hire An Attorney
If you’ve received a mesothelioma diagnosis from your doctor, the next step would be to hire an attorney. Doing such a thing will ensure that you file your mesothelioma lawsuit on time, as there are deadlines for filing medical-related lawsuits. That said, the two main types of mesothelioma lawsuits are wrongful death and personal injury claims. In the case of an injury claim, your attorney would file a lawsuit against your employer if they positioned you to work in an area that exposed you to asbestos. You’ll be eligible for a claim if you can provide accurate documentation of your mesothelioma diagnoses, including medical reports, history of exposure to asbestos, employment records, etc. So, consider hiring an attorney if your employer was at fault and exposed you to asbestos. Moreover, the average compensation you can expect from a mesothelioma lawsuit is around 2.4 million dollars if you can win your claim.
Weigh Your Treatment Options
While it might not be possible to reverse lung damage caused by mesothelioma, however, there are a few treatment options you can look into after contracting this cancer. These treatment options will allow you to slow down cancer growth and reduce symptoms, which will prolong your life for a few more years.
If your lungs contain scar tissues, doctors might suggest oxygen therapy to allow you to breathe easier. Moreover, if you smoke, your doctor will ask you to quit to avoid further damage to your lungs. Also, your treatment options will depend on the stage of cancer. For example, if the cancer is in its later stages, your doctor might recommend radio or chemotherapy to stop cancer growth. Research all of your treatment options and consult your doctor to improve your chances of survival.
Look For A Support Network
A mesothelioma diagnosis will take a toll on your mental and physical health. So, finding a solid support network of friends and family is crucial for your journey to recovery. You should never feel alone and disheartened. If, for some reason, you don’t have a family member or friends to rely on, get in touch with an oncology social worker as they will provide you with the resources to manage your disease effectively.
Furthermore, a cancer support group is also a good option. You can find these support groups online, and they’ll allow you to connect with individuals who are already suffering from mesothelioma or another cancer.
Prepare For Treatment
Cancer treatment isn’t something to be taken lightly. You’ll have to keep your body and will strong after and during mesothelioma treatment. In such a case, a healthy diet and exercise will be crucial. For example, when undergoing radiation or chemotherapy, or a combination of both, all cancer treatments have various side effects. So, if you’re living a healthy lifestyle and exercising regularly, you’ll have a better chance of coping with such side effects. Regardless of your treatment plan, a healthy diet and exercise will strengthen your body and allow it to heal faster. For this purpose, hiring a dietician will prove to be a good investment during your treatment journey.
Being diagnosed with mesothelioma can undoubtedly break the spirit of the strongest of human beings. While the steps mentioned above will allow you to live for a few more years and improve your quality of life, there is one thing that you should always prioritize – spending time with your loved ones! So, surround yourself with individuals who will love you and support you during such a tough time.