Receiving a diagnosis of
mesothelioma is devastating.
Mesothelioma, caused by prior exposure to
asbestos, is an incurable cancer that begins in the lining of the lungs, heart or abdomen. From the time of diagnosis, the patient most often has less than a year to live. Although there is much research being conducted in the way of clinical trials, to date no cure for
mesothelioma has been discovered.
As difficult as it may be at this time, there are certain important conversations to have soon after being diagnosed. One is about
end of life care and the other is filing an asbestos lawsuit quickly so as to get financial help. These conversations will help the one diagnosed with
mesothelioma as well as loved ones and family members to have more choice and control as the cancer develops.
As much as no one wants to think about dying or losing a loved one, talking about ones preferences when it comes to serious illness and care at the end of life, discussions around these issues are important to have before it gets too late for wishes to be expressed. Without such conversations, people can end up at the mercy of the health care system making such choices for them, sometimes against their wishes.
The conversation might begin with asking the one diagnosed how they would like to be cared for in different situations: in the hospital, after surgery or treatment, at home, at the end of life, upon death, and after they have passed. Asking questions about
life support, the degree of medication and intervention wanted in
pain management, and whether to
resuscitate or not will help to ensure that the patient’s wishes are known. Knowing preferences helps to make sure the one diagnosed gets what they want in terms of care and treatment.
Many loved ones think that the doctor or someone else will bring up the subject, but many will not so it is important to be proactive if you want your wishes known and followed. Before talking with the doctor, make sure that the family has had conversations that clarify the patient’s desires around care, and then everyone will be prepared when meeting with the oncologist or treating physician.
If you or a loved one is diagnosed with
mesothelioma, and want to have more choice about end of life care, a very helpful guide called Five Wishes is used by Hospice and provided through Aging with Dignity. This guide to end of life care and dying is useful for anyone to do, and one option is for everyone in the family, even if not ill, to fill one out in case they should ever find themselves in an unanticipated medical situation. A
hospice nurse or clergyman might also be helpful and provide support for such discussions.
Another topic many don’t want to bring up when a loved one is diagnosed with
mesothelioma is filing a
mesothelioma lawsuit and getting financial help to cover medical costs, alternative treatment costs, and any other monetary loss. However, it is important to bring this up early on as all states in the United States have time limits within which one can file an asbestos related lawsuit, referred to as statute of limitations. And since most patients will not survive more than a year, it is important to get this process started as soon as possible to have the best chance of either winning a verdict or settlement.
The attorneys at Clapper Patti Schweizer & Mason have been helping clients diagnosed with
mesothelioma for almost thirty years.
Mesothelioma lawsuits are their specialty and asbestos law is all they practice, therefore they are leading experts in the field. Not only that, because of their long history, everyone who works at Clapper Patti Schweizer & Mason, from the secretaries to attorneys, have experienced first-hand the hardship and heartbreak of this painful disease. Not only do they win their cases, they are kind and understanding from your first call to after settlement or verdict. This is important when you are already dealing with everything that come with a diagnosis- learning about the cancer, finding the right treatments and doctors, and making other important life decisions. For a free consultation, please call
1-800-440-4262.
This entry was posted on Sunday, December 26th, 2010 at 12:02 pm and is filed under
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Photo by US Living Will Registry