When you or a loved one has mesothelioma, it can seem like there is so much to worry about. That's normal. It is a misconception that all worrying is distressful and unproductive. There are healthy levels of worrying that motivate us to do what we need to be happy, successful and healthy. When worrying becomes overwhelming and feels uncontrollable, then most people experience distress and feel anxious. Obviously, the challenge is to keep our level of worry at a range that motivates us, not give us anxiety.

1. Managing Mesothelioma
Patients’ Worries
Today’s Moderator:
Dana Nolan, MS LMHC
Licensed Mental Health Counselor

2. What Is There to Worry About?
When you or a loved one has mesothelioma,
it can seem like there is so much to worry
about.
Why?
A life-threatening diagnosis creates an uncertain
future.
(877) 626-5916

3. Worry and Anxiety
Anxiety symptoms include:
Physical: Increased heart rate, shortness of breath,
muscle tension, sweating, trembling, etc.
Emotional: Mood swings, fear, sadness, irritability,
etc.
Cognitive: Difficulty concentrating and making
decisions, forgetfulness and worrying
Worrying is a common anxiety symptom and
a counseling treatment focus.
(877) 626-5916

4. The Function of Worrying
It is a misconception that all worrying is
distressful and unproductive.
There are healthy levels of worrying that
motivate us to do what we need to be happy,
successful and healthy.
Example: Worrying about the consequences of
not paying our bills on time (poor credit or
services being shut off) may keep us focused
staying on budget and organizing our finances.
(877) 626-5916

5. Worry and Distress
When worrying becomes overwhelming and
feels uncontrollable, then most people
experience distress and feel anxious.
Obviously, the challenge is to keep our level
of worry at a range that motivates us, not
give us anxiety.
(877) 626-5916

6. Common Worries Mesothelioma
Patients Experience
Finances
Uncontrollable pain
Inability to function as before
Loss of job, friends or life roles
End-of-life issues
Becoming a burden to loved ones
What else?
(877) 626-5916

7. Stress, Worry and Cancer
Without trying to oversimplify decades of
research, the National Cancer Institute reports
that, while psychological stress may contribute
to many health issues, cancer is not one of
them.
“Although there is still no strong evidence that
stress directly affects cancer outcomes, some
data do suggest that patients can develop a
sense of helplessness or hopelessness when
stress becomes overwhelming.”
(877) 626-5916

8. Ways to Minimize Worrying
Accept that worrying is normal. Some cancer
patients beat themselves up for not having a
positive attitude all the time, which is an
impossible task.
Identify thoughts that cause you worry so you
are better able to challenge or solve them.
(877) 626-5916

9. Ways to Minimize Worrying (cont.)
What am I specifically worried about when I
think about my mesothelioma or my loved
one’s diagnosis?
“What if treatment doesn’t work?”
“What if I lose my insurance?”
“What if my partner/spouse leaves me?”
“What if we can’t pay our bills?”
“What if I can’t take care of myself?”
(877) 626-5916

10. Ways Our Worries Get
Out of Control
We overestimate the likelihood of a negative
outcome.
We catastrophize, which means that we
amplify how bad our current situation is or
how bad it will be in the future.
(877) 626-5916

11. Challenge a Worrisome Thought
Here is a series of questions proven to reduce
the stress of worrying:
“What if my treatment doesn’t work?”
Can I learn more about this problem?
Example: “I can ask my doctor what we are
going to do if this treatment doesn’t work.”
(877) 626-5916

12. Challenge a Worrisome Thought (cont.)
What would I tell a friend or loved one who
was worrying about this issue?
I would tell her that she has overcome many
challenges in her life and that she will deal with
whatever comes the same way.
What is a more realistic or helpful way to
view this problem?
No one has a crystal ball, not even doctors, and
we don’t know if my treatment will work or not.
(877) 626-5916

13. Challenge a Worrisome Thought (cont.)
What will happen if I continue to think this
worrisome thought?
If I allow this worry to take over, I won’t be able
to be present and enjoy my good days with my
family and friends.
(877) 626-5916

14. Schedule Time to Worry
If worrisome thoughts pop in your head at
frequent or inopportune times, then tell yourself
that you will only allow your worry during
certain times.
A good time to schedule this is right before a
treatment or doctor appointment. We have our
concern fresh in our mind so we can address
them with our health care team.
Scheduling time to worry is taking control of the
situation.
(877) 626-5916

15. Conclusion
Worrying about the unknown is very
common when mesothelioma is part of your
life.
By accepting that your cancer diagnosis is the
new normal and attempting some of the tried
and true strategies to cope with those
worries, we can minimize how much worries
impact your quality of life.
(877) 626-5916

16. Contact Information
1-877-626-5916
(877) 626-5916
Facebook.com/themesocenter
@TheMesoCenter