What to Do After Receiving a Pleural Mesothelioma Diagnosis

Diagnosed With Pleural Mesothelioma? Here’s What to Do Next

If you’ve recently been diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma, you’re probably facing a whirlwind of different questions and emotions – and that’s a totally normal response. But once you collect yourself and begin to embrace your new reality, it becomes important to follow a plan. Having this plan in place will help you make smart decisions about your health and well-being moving forward.

Understanding Pleural Mesothelioma

Pleural mesothelioma makes up roughly four out of every five mesothelioma cases. It’s caused by inhaling asbestos fibers. 

“These sharp fibers can become lodged in the lining of the lungs (known as the pleura),” MesotheliomaGuide.com explains. “These microscopic fibers cause irritation and inflammation in your pleura, which is made up of mesothelial cells.”

This damage can eventually lead to the development of malignant cells. Common symptoms include chest pain, shortness of breath, persistent cough, and fatigue, which typically appear decades after exposure to asbestos.

Immediate Steps After Diagnosis

Once you receive an official diagnosis of pleural mesothelioma, it’s important to act quickly and make smart choices that prioritize your overall health. 

Here Are a Few Recommendations:

• Seek a Second Opinion: Due to its rarity, it’s crucial to consult with a specialist who understands pleural mesothelioma. A second opinion can confirm your diagnosis and ensure that you receive the most informed treatment recommendations. Specialists often provide access to advanced treatment options like clinical trials that are not widely available.

• Understand Your Options: Treatment for pleural mesothelioma may include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or a combination of these. Treatment decisions depend on several factors, including the stage of the disease, your overall health, and the characteristics of your cancer. Discuss each option thoroughly with your oncologist to understand the benefits and risks.

• Consider Clinical Trials: Ask your healthcare provider about clinical trials. New therapies and drugs are continually being tested, and you might be eligible for trials that offer cutting-edge treatments that are not yet available to the wider public.

Addressing Financial and Legal Aspects

Given the link between asbestos exposure and pleural mesothelioma, you may have legal recourse. This is why it’s important to meet with an attorney and figure out if there are steps that can be taken to deal with this aspect. Mesothelioma attorneys specialize in cases like yours and can help you understand if you’re eligible for compensation. This compensation can cover medical bills, loss of income, and other expenses related to your illness.

Beyond legal compensation, other financial resources are available to help manage the cost of cancer care. These include cancer-specific grants, benefits from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (if your exposure to asbestos occurred during military service), and Social Security Disability benefits. Again, your attorney can help you determine how to approach these various benefits and types of compensation. 

Compensation won’t make the disease go away, but it can provide some practical resources for addressing the financial pressure that you and your family are feeling. There’s also a sense of justice that comes from holding others accountable for their actions. 

Living Well With Mesothelioma

While undergoing treatment, maintaining your strength is really important. If possible, work with a dietitian to tailor a nutrition plan that supports your health. (And don’t forget to engage in daily exercise, as recommended by your healthcare team.) This will help you maintain your energy levels and overall health.

And don’t forget about the mental side of things. Dealing with cancer can be emotionally draining. Support groups, either online or in person, can connect you with others facing similar challenges – so definitely seek these out. Additionally, consider speaking with a counselor or therapist who can help you deal with the emotional aspects of your diagnosis and treatment.

Your Outlook With Mesothelioma

The outlook for pleural mesothelioma depends on various factors, including the cancer’s stage at diagnosis and your overall health. Early-stage diagnosis generally has a better prognosis and offers more treatment options compared to advanced-stage mesothelioma. Regular follow-ups with your healthcare team are essential to monitor your health and adjust treatments as necessary.

Although a diagnosis of pleural mesothelioma is challenging, advances in medical research and treatments continue to improve the outlook for this serious disease. With the right medical team and support network, you can fight this disease with informed choices and expert care. Remember, you’re not alone in this journey, and there are resources and communities ready to support you.