MesotheliomaHelp,net
Anyone that has been diagnosed with mesothelioma knows that it is natural to be frightened and to have a lot of questions concerning treatment choices and decisions. Patients are often stunned, and they typically need help taking the first step towards battling the disease. When a parent is the patient, it is natural for them to turn to their spouse and adult children for support. The children, however, are often in a better position to guide their parents through the maze of information.
Adult Children Can Turn to the Internet
Adult children are probably better "wired" to be able to find critical, timely information on the internet. The internet contains a host of information available to the public searching for mesothelioma facts. Organizations, foundations and mesothelioma advocates all manage websites that contain mesothelioma information ranging from symptoms to treatments to legal rights. Even one of the latest internet information publishing sites, Hubpages, can provide information.
Some key sites include: MesotheliomaHelp.net, Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation, National Organization for Rare Disorders, NYU Langone Medical Center and the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization.
In addition, social media sites such as Facebook and Twitter can be used to allow patients and their families to provide friends with updates and to find resources and additional information from the mesothelioma community. Younger adults are often registered on these sites and have the ability to monitor and provide updates.
Manage Paperwork and Bills
Although the children may not be available to accompany their parents to each and every appointment, it is important that they help manage the paperwork and bills that will be generated. When being treated for mesothelioma, patients have doctor's appointments, chemotherapy treatments, radiation therapy, prescriptions and much more to manage. Typically, each appointment generates pages of paperwork including appointment reminders, fact sheets, business cards, insurance papers and bills.
These papers should be reviewed and processed as needed in a timely manner. Children can establish a filing system that their parents can easily understand and access. Categories for the paperwork may include bills to pay, insurance forms, information, and appointments.
Just Be There
It is important to remember that while you are your parents' strongest advocate, you may also be their biggest fan. Make sure to take the time to step back from the rigors of the disease and to just be there for your parents. Call your parents often and take the time to visit when appropriate.
Battling any debilitating disease is easier with a strong support network.
Click here for more information on how children can help their parents.
