Being a Caregiver for a Spouse or Companion with Mesothelioma

Nobody ever wants to hear a loved one say the words “I have cancer.” Unfortunately, more than 1.5 million Americans uttered those words in 2011.

About 3,000 of those people were breaking the news of a recent mesothelioma diagnosis. This cancer is often terminal, and telling a spouse or companion about the prognosis can be tough. However, many patients choose to spend as much of their time as possible at home, receiving care from their family.

If your loved one is diagnosed with mesothelioma, you may find yourself in the role of a caregiver. While many mesothelioma patients are able to retain some of their independence in the earlier stages of their disease, by stage III and IV the patient may ask for additional assistance from their spouses, children or friends.

Some of the duties a mesothelioma caregiver may perform include:

• Scheduling and driving to doctor’s appointments

• Filling and taking prescriptions

• Getting showered/dressed and other hygiene needs

• Cooking, cleaning and home upkeep

Caregivers may find it easy to get caught up in taking care of the physical requests, but they should also make an effort to engage their loved one in fun daily activities. Caregivers can plan day trips, short vacations or even simple date nights to help the patient enjoy each moment that they are beating their cancer.

Being the Best Possible Caregiver

While caregivers may feel nervous about not being “good enough” at helping their loved one, they must remember that their efforts are always appreciated by the patient. During this stressful time, having someone who loves them enough to help them out can be extremely comforting to the patient. Having this person accessible at all times – as is often the case with a spouse or live-in companion – is even more reassuring.

Communication is key when providing care for a mesothelioma patient. Be sure to ask which tasks they specifically would or would not like assistance with. Also, be a supportive ear if the patient needs to talk about the emotional and physical struggles they are going through. If you find yourself overwhelmed, feel free to step back and ask for assistance yourself – often, other family members or Hospice workers are able to contribute to the patient’s care so that the primary caregiver can enjoy a mental break.

Author bio: Faith Franz is a writer for the Mesothelioma Center. She combines her interests in whole-body health and medical research to educate the mesothelioma community about the newest developments in cancer care.

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Response by Dr. John Morris MD FAAHPM


VP Clinical Outreach, Palliative Care Medical Director


Palliative care is specialized medical care for people with serious illness like mesothelioma. It is provided by a team of physicians, nurse practitioners, physicians assistants, social workers and nurses. This care is provides an extra layer of support for patients and caregivers while the patient is undergoing aggressive chemotherapy and other treatments. The palliative care team focuses on treating the symptoms, pain, and stress of serious illness. The goal is to improve the quality of life for the patient and the caregiver.


Hospice care is a special benefit that provides intensive support for patients and caregivers struggling with mesothelioma. Hospice is appropriate after the patient finishes chemotherapy and desires to focus on staying independent, comfortable and improving quality of life. Hospice can provide 24/7 support for patients and families to live as well as possible with mesothelioma and other medical problems.


John Morris MD FAAHPM


VP Clinical Outreach, Palliative Care Medical Director

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