Ever since you were diagnosed with mesothelioma, you have been thinking about mortality. You sense it every time you cough, have difficulty breathing, experience chest pains and fatigue. You have had a well-led life, but now it is coming to and end due to a disease that lingered inside you for years without even knowing about it.
The anger remains, but has dissipated some. Now, you wonder how much longer you will live. How much time will you have to say your goodbyes, get your affairs in order and pursue civil action against many companies that failed to protect you and failed to inform you about the dangers of handling asbestos?
You may live less than two years
Workers with consistent exposure to asbestos are more susceptible to getting mesothelioma. This group includes those in the blue-collar sectors such as manufacturing and construction, firefighters, shipbuilders and those with military backgrounds. Inhaling asbestos fibers marks the beginning of a diagnosis and eventual tortuous life of mesothelioma.
The terrible symptoms of this disease often do not surface until decades after initial exposure, usually 20 to 50 years. Victims of this type of cancer typically are men who are older than 65. However, second-hand exposure to asbestos fibers also strikes families of certain workers.
People diagnosed with mesothelioma usually do not live very long; generally, from 12 to 22 months. During this time, you will have the chance to reflect on your life, but also take care of necessary things such as:
- Getting your affairs in order, namely completing an estate plan in order to help your family.
- Continuing to get the medical attention that you need.
- Continuing to do the things you enjoy. Enjoy every sandwich.
- Spending time with loved ones.
- Living your last days at home, perhaps, with the assistance of hospice care.
- Pursuing legal action.
Everyone has a limited time on this earth. Your time just has been cut short due to a preventable disease and the ineptness of many companies. It is difficult to accept such a fate. Still, you must try to live your life as best as you can.