Cancercare.org

Receiving a diagnosis of mesothelioma is like receiving a death sentence is a very difficult and painful, not only the victim but also the family of the victim.

Although new drugs and forms of treatment have been discovered every day, mesothelioma is still a very low survival rates. Coping and living with a diagnosis of mesothelioma is a very difficult thing to do, to watch a loved one fall ill and gradually pass a real test of character and is usually more than one person can handle alone.

Today, there are support networks for patients with mesothelioma, no matter where they live. These support groups and organizations to help victims and their families cope with the disease, its treatments and its inevitable results. Even if you feel you are strong enough to cope with the disease itself, these groups can still be of great use to you. Do not deal with this cancer by yourself, looking for support is not a sign of weakness and you should never see it that way. We all need to rely on someone at one time or another.

Different types of support groups

Support groups in person
These groups provide people with mesothelioma lot of emotional support. These groups face to face where victims of mesothelioma, caregivers and families of victims gather to share their experiences with others.

These groups can be found in hospitals or may be sponsored by oncologists (physicians specializing in cancer treatment). Some of these groups are also sponsored by various chapters of the American Cancer Society, while others are sponsored by advocacy groups for victims of mesothelioma.

If you want to find one of these groups, you should ask your health care team if they know any of these groups. If no such groups where you are, you might even consider starting one with the help of your oncologist or other professionals.

Online Support Groups
For the victims of the disease in areas where there are no people in support groups, there are support groups online that you can join.

Online support groups are in the form of discussion forums, blogs and forums related to cancer. Regular reviews are conducted by people with the same disease. mesothelioma patients and their families can join groups online and exchange ideas on general illness, treatment and future treatment modalities, related emotional issues and more. Most of these forums, chats are free to join and they are always available 24 hours a day, seven days a week for you to stay in touch anytime, every day.

Some online support groups are offered by agencies of cancer while others could be accommodated by advocacy groups or mesothelioma patient similar associations. Others offer online seminars and other educational activities related to mesothelioma, in addition to emotional or practical support for caregivers and patients.

Some of the most popular online support for mesothelioma patients and their families and friends are:
aec Association of Cancer Online Resources - online resources for support and information. http://www.arco.org

aec Cancer - Offers online and telephone counseling, education, and lists of resources for financial assistance. http://www.cancercare.org

aec Gilda's Club - national organization that offers advice and resources for cancer patients and their families. http://www.gildasclub.org

aec I can bear - sponsored by the American Cancer Society, this site offers a variety of support programs and services online. http://www.cancer.org

aec Wellness Community - This site is home to online support groups as well as lists of resources to help you find a support group facing near you. http://www.thewelln.