Healing Matters Vol. II: Have You Laughed a Little Lately?

This is the second installment of a blog series intended to address the complexities of mesothelioma care.

So one of your family members or closest friends is battling mesothelioma and you are doing your best to help them in any way you can. You are monitoring their chemotherapy medications and making sure they are keeping their appetite up so their body stays strong. You are driving them to the doctor’s office and helping out around the house with the laundry and the chores. You are doing all of the things you can think to do and, quite frankly, it’s exhausting. But, in the mix of things, are you forgetting the most important part of caring for someone with mesothelioma?

Dealing with mesothelioma can be extremely taxing on the mind and body, not just for the person with the disease, but for those who are trying to care for that person. Finding ways to laugh is the easiest way to relieve the physical and emotional pain and stress and help both the patient and the caregiver cope with a mesothelioma diagnosis. Caring for a mesothelioma patient can be overwhelming and can hinder the caregiver’s life just as much as the patients if you do not take the time to enjoy your life and the life of your loved one.

Sure, the doctor might not include humor therapy on your loved one’s mesothelioma treatment routine, but laughing does have physical effects that can make a world of difference. When you laugh, it stimulates the body’s circulatory, immune system and nervous system. Otherwise, it just makes you ‘feel’ better. When you are dealing with cancer, sometimes that is all you want.

Whether it is a funny movie, their favorite TV show or even a little gossip, make an effort to do the things that makes you and your loved one laugh. Laughter may not cure cancer, but sometimes you just need a cure for your bad mood.

There is nothing funny about mesothelioma, but your loved one deserves to enjoy their life… and so do you. So, in between the doctor’s visits and medicine regime, make sure you schedule a chuckle or two.

The mesothelioma law firm of Baron and Budd has been working with mesothelioma patients and their families for over 35 years. The law firm knows just how difficult the journey can be and continues to strive for new ways to better serve the mesothelioma community.

For more information on Baron and Budd, visit here.