Mesothelioma: Family Support

Support for a family contending with mesothelioma

When a family member has been diagnosed with mesothelioma cancer, everyone involved can benefit from additional guidance and support involving medical care and treatment, including what to expect regarding the side-effects of intensive surgery, chemotherapy and radiation treatments.

Government and healthcare websites offer statistical information about mesothelioma and other asbestos illnesses. Beyond that basic information, it is also vital for patients and their families to know there is hope.

Medical researchers and clinicians continue to study investigational drugs and other medical treatments that will some day lead to a cure for mesothelioma. Even today, patients are benefitting from the incremental advances that have been made on the path to finding effective medicines.

Families searching for these latest medical advances have a number of organizations to which they can turn. Two nonprofit groups at the forefront of mesothelioma information are the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO), and the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation (MARF). Both offer a wealth of information about medical treatments available from the nation’s top mesothelioma doctors, investigational studies and mesothelioma clinical trials. The ADAO and MARF also provide a voice of hope and support for families contending with a diagnosis of mesothelioma and how they can best support their loved ones during this difficult time. The American Cancer Society, is also a valuable resource for patients, families and caregivers living with cancer.

Family and caregiver support groups for mesothelioma

Spouses, children and caregivers of mesothelioma patients should join a cancer support group, which provide assistance for immediate family members, extended family, friends and other people in a mesothelioma patient's life. These groups offer the opportunity to meet with others dealing with mesothelioma and can provide a sympathetic environment in which to handle the unique physical and emotional burdens.

Cancer support groups can also help your family find information on healthcare insurance providers; finding caregivers; locating subsidized lodging when your family must travel for medical care, and even information on specialized air travel for mesothelioma patients whose health may not permit them to travel by commercial airline. Support groups can also help you to make the best decisions regarding palliative and/or hospice care.

Some of the major support groups for mesothelioma cancer patients and families include:

Well Spouse, a peer organization that provides assistance to the spouses and partners of cancer patients.

The Lung Cancer Alliance, a non-profit organization that provides support and advocacy for lung cancer patients and caregivers.

Gilda’s Club: A nationwide support group that provides networking, workshops and other resources for cancer patients and families.

The R. A. Bloch Cancer Foundation, an organization founded by a man who survived for over 26 years after receiving a “terminal” cancer diagnosis.

You can obtain information about many other mesothelioma cancer support groups, provided as a service by Weitz & Luxenberg. We also offer complimentary copies of our Asbestos Sourcebook. It contains frequently asked questions about the history of asbestos and its uses; an overview of asbestos illnesses, and some of the treatments available for mesothelioma. Our Sourcebook gives a review of the legal process should you be interested in bringing a case against negligent asbestos manufacturers. Please complete the form on this page to learn more.