New Feelings

The newly diagnosed mesothelioma patient will also have numerous personal issues to handle. No doubt, feelings after diagnosis will be confusing, such as anger, guilt, and denial, and the patient will need to make decisions about continuing work, about how and when to tell family and friends about the disease, and about after-life issues including wills and DNRs. These practical issues and relationship issues can often be the hardest to deal with, and healthcare providers, psychologists, psychiatrists, clergy, and other counselors are on hand to help. Asking for support is expected and is not a sign of weakness.

The disease, its pain and symptoms, treatments, and difficult personal issues all result in one particular feeling - stress. Even if the patient was relaxed and easy-going in the past, stress will likely be a new part of his or her life after a mesothelioma diagnosis. Dealing with stress is essential and everyone does this differently. Common ways to conquer stress are with alternative therapies such as meditation or massage and sometimes by the use of prescription anti-anxiety medications. What works best will largely depend on the patient, but many options are available.