By Bello Kamorudeen
When you are faced with a diagnosis of mesothelioma cancer
there are many resources are available for you and your family
to benefit. You can seek for support from family and friends, as
well as from health professionals, support groups, or your place
of worship. Asking for support is one way you can feel in
control of what's going on in your life, your need for support
is not a sign of weakness.
You feel lonely and abandoned. You may loose your desire to
continue living . If your are not getting the much needed
support from your friends and family then find others who can
support you. There are probably others in your community who
need your companionship as much as you need theirs. The mutual
support of others with cancer might also be a source of
comfort.You will probably need the support of different support
groups to help you cope with the diagnosis of mesothelioma
cancer.
What are different types of support groups?
There are different types and formats for support groups, there
are individual, group counseling and support groups. Some
support groups are formal and focus on learning about cancer or
dealing with feelings. There are also less formal and more
social groups. Some groups consist mainly of people with cancers
or only caregivers, while others include spouses, family
members, or friends. Other groups focus on certain types of
cancer or stages of disease like mesothelioma cancer. Some
groups have their meetings over a number of weeks while some
others meet over a longer period of time. Some programs no
longer accept new members while other groups are still open to
new members.
Health professionals (a social worker, nurse, or other licensed
professional), trained facilitators, or a group member may lead
the group. The leader of a group should have some type of
training before taking charge of a support group.
Telephone counseling groups
For those who cannot attend meetings or appointments,
counseling over the telephone is offered by organizations such
as Cancer Care, Inc. Some people may find online support groups
helpful because they like the privacy. It may be comforting to
chat with other people facing situations much like yours. But
keep in mind that chat rooms and message boards are not the best
source of cancer information, especially if they are not
monitored by trained professionals or experts.
No matter what kind of group it is, everyone taking part should
feel comfortable in the group and with the facilitator. If you
have any fears or uncertainties before entering a group, try to
discuss them with the group's facilitator ahead of time.
Along with support programs, other means of support may be
available in your community such as:
•Home health nursing services
•Social services, such as counseling and financial aid
•Nutrition services that provide meals or allow you to talk
with a registered dietitian
•Rehabilitation services provided by physical and occupational
therapists
•Spiritual services from chaplains or religious figures in the
community
Support in any form allows you to talk about your feelings and
develop skills to cope with the changes taking place in your
life. Some studies have found that people who go to support
groups have an improved quality of life, including better sleep
and appetite.
Self-help groups
Self-help groups are most often run by non-professionals who
have been through the same kinds of problems or crises. The
people in these groups can relate to your experience firsthand
and often have treatment-related tips and advice that may help
you. For example, they may offer a home remedy that helped with
their nausea, or know where to get the best prices on wigs and
turbans. If their family members are not in the group, patients
are free to express exactly how they feel. Family members can
also benefit from sharing their feelings, fears, and anxieties
with other families affected by mesothelioma cancer.
Self-help groups also give people recovering or who are long
term survivors of mesothelioma cancer help others with the
cancer. With some training, many people with cancer have found
that helping others makes them feel better about themselves.
They may go on to become group counselors or facilitators.
Choosing when to take part in a support group is important.
Some find it difficult to join a support group when they are
first diagnosed. The stories that other patients may share,
after months or even years of treatment, can be overwhelming and
upsetting. If you try a group and it doesn't feel right, you may
want to try again later or try another group.
Religion
Religion can be a source of strength for some people. Some find
new faith when diagnosed with cancer. Others find their cancer
experience strengthens their existing faith or their faith gives
them newfound strength and hope. Others who have never had
strong religious beliefs may not feel an urge to turn to
religion at this time. A minister, rabbi, other leader of your
faith, or a trained pastoral counselor can help you find
spiritual support. Some members of the clergy are specially
trained to minister to people with cancer and their families.
Some hospitals also have chaplains available.
Ask your health care team about the resources available at your
hospital. You can also contact your American Cancer Society to
find out about sources of support that are available in your
community.
About the Author: Bello Kamorudeen. For more information on
mesothelioma cancer visit
http://www.mesotheliomacorner.blogspot.com
Source: http://www.isnare.com
Permanent Link:
http://www.isnare.com/?aid=423982&ca=Cancer+Survival
