If you have recently received the news that you have late-stage mesothelioma of some kind, it is understandable if you are left feeling shaken and uncertain of your future. You have likely already seen or heard the statistics pertaining to late-stage survival rates, and you may also be aware that such a diagnosis often limits your surgical options.
Do not lose hope, however. Key advancements are being made with regards to late-stage mesothelioma, and there are actionable steps you can take that have been shown to make a valuable difference for late-stage patients. If you are unsure where to turn with late-stage mesothelioma, here are a few ideas that can help you during this season.
Look Into the Possibility of Clinical Trials
It ought to be said up front that mesothelioma is a rare cancer, which effectively means that there are relatively few clinical trials compared to more common forms of cancer. Even so, the potential benefits and longevity of life afforded by clinical trials should be more than enough reason to look into whether you are eligible for a clinical trial.
Some studies have actually added years to the life expectancy of the mesothelioma patients included in the trial, which is no small feat given that survival rates for any type of mesothelioma past five years are low. For example, a clinical trial involving photodynamic therapy extended the survival of 73 patients by three years, on average. Of particular note is the fact that the study involved pleural mesothelioma patients who were at either stage three or four of the disease.
Simply put, do not give up hope. Yes, it is true that there is still not a cure for mesothelioma, but clinical trials and the latest treatments are proving to be quite effective at extending life expectancy for late-stage patients.
Quality of Life Can Improve With Palliative Care
Even if you are not eligible for a clinical trial, you can still greatly reduce the pain of your symptoms during the later stages of mesothelioma through palliative care. This method of care focuses on easing your pain, rather than engaging in curative treatments like chemotherapy, surgery and radiation.
The type of treatment options available in palliative care will depend on the type of mesothelioma you have been diagnosed with (pleural, peritoneal, etc.), but the fact remains that these treatments can greatly ease your symptoms. And, it has even been shown that some palliative treatments may improve life expectancy when combined with new immunotherapy drugs.
Talk to a Mesothelioma Attorney and Make End of Life Plans
It is an inescapably tragic and unfortunate fact that many late-stage patients will pass away because of mesothelioma. All too often, this disease was caused by a legally responsible party, which means you can pursue justice and legal compensation.
In addition to pursuing the compensation you deserve, consider planning your estate and creating a trust with the help of an estate planning lawyer. As such, your legal strategy ought to be two-fold. First, reach out to a mesothelioma attorney such as a member of our proven team at The Ledger Law Firm, who will help you build a strong personal injury case that gets you and your loved ones the compensation that is owed to you.
Second, and no less important, update your estate plan to make sure that your healthcare wishes are honored while also making sure that your property, assets and personal effects are handled according to your wishes.
If you are ready to receive justice for your late-stage mesothelioma diagnosis, reach out to us to speak with a caring, compassionate mesothelioma attorney at Ledger Law today.
