What Role Does a Caregiver Play in the Life of a Mesothelioma Patient

By Tim Povtak

A well-trained medical staff will determine the best course of treatment for a patient with mesothelioma, but the primary caregiver will determine just how that patient lives.

A caregiver is vital in so many ways. Don’t underestimate the role.

Mesothelioma is the rare and aggressive cancer often caused by occupational asbestos exposure. Typically, the cancer engulfs both the patient and the family.

Caring for that patient, whose diagnosis often comes with a grim prognosis, can be overwhelming. But it also can be richly rewarding. Sometimes, it is both.

Caregiving is usually not a planned role. It often comes by chance, usually because of a family member’s misfortune. It is taken as an act of love.

The average mesothelioma patient lives only 9 to 18 months after diagnosis, although exceptions are becoming more common, especially now with treatment advances at a handful of mesothelioma specialty centers across the country.

Your first and most critical role as caregiver should be making sure the patient receives the best care possible.  Too many medical professionals — even some oncologists — don’t understand this rare disease.

A specialty center will have the latest, multi-disciplinary plan that possibly can extend the prognosis, allowing a mesothelioma survivor to live several years and beyond.

Being a caregiver can be a daunting task, especially in the latter stages of the cancer, but it also can be manageable with the proper tools and guidance.

A caregiver may be asked to do a number of jobs, depending upon a variety of factors.

They will include:

• Health Monitoring: A caregiver may be asked to manage medications and doctor appointments, along with reporting changing health conditions that a patient may forget when he talks to his doctor.
• Emotional Support: Simple companionship can help a patient tremendously, and this will grow over time. Sometimes a patient just needs someone to talk with or listen to. Patients will have bad days and good days, and emotional support can be a steadying force.
• Decision Making: Patients often need help sorting out health insurance issues, making financial decisions, going over treatment plans, and possibly pursuing legal options. Decisions on end-of-life care will be discussed.
• Everyday Chores: Things that were once taken for granted by a patient may be out of reach once mesothelioma treatment begins. Simple tasks like cleaning a home, cooking a meal, walking the dog and driving to the grocery store could become part of a caregiver’s role.
  

As the cancer advances, the responsibilities will intensify. Feeding and bathing and constant care may be required.

You should remember, though, to take time to care for yourself. Don’t try to do this alone.
A caregiver needs help to avoid being overwhelmed and breaking down, both physically and mentally. Take time to recharge your batteries.

Ask a friend or another family member to help, and step into your role for short periods of time. The best care given is by a caregiver who is healthy and happy and not worn down by the job.

Take a walk, eat properly, and take needed breaks to become the best caregiver possible.

Tim Povtak is a content writer for the Mesothelioma Center and Asbestos.com, an informational source for mesothelioma patients and families.