Malignant mesothelioma is caused by tumors growing on the mesothelium, which is the thin protective sac surrounding the lungs (pleura), abdomen (peritoneum) or heart (pericardium.) Mesothelioma is typically due to exposure to asbestos.

Asbestos is an insulating, fire-resistant material once commonly used in all types of insulation, ceiling and roofing products, brake linings, and cement. Currently, about 2,500 to 3,000 new cases are diagnosed in the United States each year with higher numbers occurring in other parts of the world.

Mesothelioma is difficult to diagnose. Most diagnosis occurs when patients are in their 50’s to 70’s as there is a long latency period between the initial time of exposure and the development of symptoms. In addition, mesothelioma is often mistakenly identified as another type of cancer or respiratory illness. Because of these issues, most mesotheliomas are not diagnosed until after the disease has progressed to advanced stages.

Typically patients and their loved ones go through months before mesothelioma is accurately identified and sometimes undergo a variety of treatments before being told that the cancer has reached advanced stages. Advanced stage mesothelioma means the cancer is incurable and beyond being controlled by medical interventions.

Learning that your cancer is untreatable and you have only a short time to live can cause feelings of devastation, anxiety and fear. It can be hard to accept that most patients with this type of cancer typically live less than a year.

Once over the initial shock, there are some things that a patient and caregiver can do to help during such difficult times. One is to learn as much as possible about what to expect and also explore options where choices do exist. Another is to continue to demand excellent care from your medical team and on-going support from others. Talking about any concerns, as well as any regrets and specific wishes you may have can be very helpful. Make sure to write down how you wish to live and how you wish to die, and enlist the help of others to make sure this happens. Having a support group to share any feelings and express grief can be hugely supportive.

Other avenues to explore are whether there are any existing treatments that could slow the progression of the disease or help alleviate any pain or side effects. Palliative care and hospice workers should be able to help keep the patient in as much comfort as possible. Find out from your oncology specialist what other options may exist in your area.

Standard therapies (radiation, chemotherapy, and surgery), alternative treatments, hospice and/or home care are the typical options for patients diagnosed with Stage IV mesothelioma. Usually your medical team, made up of doctors, nurses, family members and yourself, will make choices based upon your specific situation and needs. Advance care directives will help to make sure that everyone follows your wishes about treatments and interventions up until the end.

Cancer takes a toll on everyone, physically and emotionally. Being able to have conversations about dying can sometimes help patients as well as loved ones to experience more control, dignity and peace. It helps to have strategies in place and a good support network. Advance planning can help relieve any financial, legal or emotional burden on your loved ones and help them in their own grieving process. It can be hard to bring up topics related to death. Yet, talking about death openly can be essential to avoiding potential problems later.

It can be very challenging to have or know someone who has advanced stage mesothelioma. At the same time, some use it as an opportunity to resolve unfinished business, heal old wounds, realize what is most important, and focus on moments of love, joy and gratitude. Everyone will have a different reaction and approach to death. Be respectful that some patients and loved ones will be more comfortable than others with having open conversations about dying and end of life care.

If you need help with the costs of medical treatments and getting financial compensation, contact an attorney who specializes in asbestos litigation and mesothelioma lawsuits. Like physicians that specialize in treating asbestos related cancers, a mesothelioma lawyer will have expertise that more effectively and quickly gets you and your family the help you need.

Many cancer patients and family members look back and wish they had had the courage to open up discussions about life and dying before the disease had progressed beyond the point where they were able to coherently do so. If you or a loved one has advanced malignant mesothelioma, please do not hesitate to start these conversations before it is too late.

Sally Clapper is a representative for the law offices of Clapper, Patti, Schweizer & Mason in Sausalito, CA. If you or someone you know is in need of a mesothelioma attorney, please contact the firm at 1-800-440-4262. As experts in the field of mesothelioma, the firm’s attorneys are recognized as some of the leading plaintiffs’ asbestos lawyers in the nation.