Simplifying Mesothelioma Communications

Once someone has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, friends and family members will be concerned and will be contacting the patient directly for updates on his health and treatments. While the outpouring of support can be comforting, knowing what is appropriate to share can be difficult.

The thought of returning calls and repeating the same information can also be stressful. Before sharing information with friends and other family members, consider creating a mesothelioma communication plan with the immediate family. Following are some suggestions for what to include in a plan:

• The patient is in control of what he wants to share. Let him identify exactly what he is comfortable with letting family members know versus what to tell friends.
• Read up on mesothelioma. Before passing information along to either family or friends make sure that the patient and immediate family understand key details about the disease itself. Mesothelioma is still a little known disease – questions will be fast and furious from everyone.
• What can I do for you? This question will come from just about everyone, and they really do want to help. Seriously consider what might be helpful: grocery shopping, finding a book, walking the pet – even small things will seem big once treatments get started.
• Can I come see you? This will be another popular question and identifying who can visit and when they can visit should be known to the immediate family. Too many visitors can be stressful, but no one wants to accidentally turn away a good friend.
• Create a Phone Tree. Set up a process to allow others to help get the word out about the patient’s status. Make the necessary call to get the message started and let others do the rest of the work. Include information concerning visitation, assistance requests, etc.

With some careful planning communicating the information about a mesothelioma diagnosis can be simplified, while still keeping friends and family fully informed.