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What Can I Do When My Boyfriend has Mesothelioma and is Jobless?

Article by K James

After 3 happy years together, my jobless boyfriend has been diagnosed with Pericardial Mesothelioma. His health had been great until recently when he started having trouble breathing and shooting abdominal pain. Initially I was shattered and I was not sure how to deal with the news. Then I realized that it is important to consider what to do next to help improve his health condition. I had heard that some courses of treatment would make it possible for him to get over the disease and he might get completely cured if the disease is in its initial stages. I was also sure that he would not consider treatment unless he was fully aware of the disease and knew that the treatment would not cost him money and he has been jobless for over a year.

We later took a trip to visit a lawyer who deals with this disease diagnosis because the cause is usually employer negligence. He said we need to be prepared mentally about the lawsuit and I have to make him sure that I can be there to support my boyfriend in any situation because this lawsuit can be a long, tough road. While the lawyer said there is little I can do as a non-official family member, being there to support him is the most important thing I can do.

Fortunately, his finances don’t play a role in the lawsuit against his former employer because the lawyer only gets paid if we win. In preparing for the case, we have to look for a capable healthcare provider who can testify on his behalf. The healthcare provider must deal with this form of Mesothelioma so my boyfriend will be completely comfortable and able to express himself freely.

Learning about Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is a form of cancer by excessive exposure to asbestos and directly affects the Mesothelium. The Mesothelium is a protective lining which covers the internal organs and in this disease malignant cells are formed on this lining. In most cases, the Pleura (the outer lining of lungs and chest cavity) are affected. However, Mesothelioma on the Peritoneum (the lining of the abdominal cavity) or the Pericardium (the sac surrounding the heart) also occurs. Thus, malignant Mesothelioma has three main categories based on the area of the mesothelium attacked: Peritoneal Mesothelioma, Pleural Mesothelioma and Pericardial Mesothelioma.

Symptoms of Mesothelioma

Symptoms of Mesothelioma can occur many years, even as many as 50 years, after being exposed to asbestos. The most common symptoms are Mesothelioma pain due to fluid collection in pleural area, coughing and breathlessness. In the case of Peritoneal Mesothelioma, there can even be abdominal swelling, weight loss and accumulation of fluid in abdominal cavity. Apart from these, blood clotting abnormalities, anemia and fever are also found commonly. In the case of pleural Mesothelioma, blood in the sputum, chest wall pain, anemia, fatigue and pleural effusion are also common. In severe cases, the person may develop many tumor masses or pneumothorax (collapse of the lung).

Diagnosis of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma does not affect the bone, brain or adrenal glands. Pleural tumors affect only one side of the lungs. The first process of diagnosis is to check the patient’s history for any asbestos exposure. Various tests like CT scan, chest x-ray, lung function tests, MRI scan needs to undertaken to diagnoses the disease. Treatment of Mesothelioma using conventional therapies like radiation, surgery hasn’t been very successful and new treatments are being developed. Unfortunately, the survival rate beyond one year after diagnosis is incredibly low.

Meso Facts

How to get copies of your Mesothelioma medical records

Every patient has a right to copies of all their medical records.  All you have to do is in writing make a request of each doctor you have seen, and pay a small fee to have them copied.  Be sure to keep copies of all your records including doctor visits and test results.  With these, then you will always be ready for a visit to a new medical practitioner.  Learn and practice asking for medical record copies each and every time you receive a doctor’s diagnosis.

Meso Facts

How to prepare for your doctor visit to learn the most about Mesothelioma

It does not matter what you are seeing a doctor about, it could be your Mesothelioma or maybe something else, there are some things you can do to obtain the most information and benefit from your visit.

When you go to visit a doctor,  always have your part of the medical information ready. This would include a list of all medications you take, a history list of your medical problems, and identify the surgeries you may have had.   Always bring your copies of your health records including lab tests, x-ray films or scans if you have them; bring it all.  Sometimes, your visit to the doctor could become a meeting with many doctors, so with your help and records they can have more to know.

Tell your doctor if you know you have been exposed to Asbestos!

Before your appointment, prepare a list of questions for the doctor.  As these occur to you, write them down.  Do not be fearful of asking the Doctor these questions.  Bring a family member or close friend to the meeting with you if it will help you feel more at ease when asking questions.  Having another pair of ears to hear the Doctor’s reply to each question can also help you remember what was said.

When you are not certain about explanations, ask for more information or where you can get additional details.  Many times there are brochures provided freely with detailed simple explanations to help with understanding.  Some medical facilities also have educators that can help you.

Regarding information about Mesothelioma, lung cancer, and much more about contracting this deadly disease from asbestos exposure, you will find a wealth of answers at the Mesothelioma Research Foundation of America web site.

Here are some questions to get you started in making your list.  Also, review the reference links below to find more question examples:

  • What should I do if I need help after hours when the doctor’s business office is closed?
  • After hours, who do I need to contact and how?
  • Do I have all my prescriptions before leaving the doctor’s office?
    Should I make another appointment to visit again?  What date?
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Meso Facts

How do I find out if my doctor is experienced with Mesothelioma treatment?

Just be frank with your doctor and ask her.  Many doctors may never see Mesothelioma because only 3000 – 4000 new cases of the disease occur each year.  Of course the doctors that service an area in which the industry exposes the public to asbestos will see more mesothelioma cases and therefore have greater familiarity with the cancer.  Sometimes the larger medical care centers will also have doctors who have seen more cases of mesothelioma.

You simply have to ask.  Reputable doctors will not take offense and instead empathize with your concern.  Find a new doctor if she does become defensive.

Ask our Dr. Gill at the research foundation.  He will gladly give impartial, professional advice and make a referral.