If you are a mesothelioma patient or a family member of a patient, with concerns or questions about coronavirus Mesothelioma UK recommends the Cancer Research UK guidance. It includes frequently asked questions and useful links for further information and advice.
NHS England has published specialty guides for patient management during the coronavirus pandemic.
Below are some frequently asked questions but please contact the information line on 0800 169 2409 if you have further questions.
Do I need to do anything differently because I have mesothelioma?
Please do not expose yourself to unnecessary risk of exposure to the virus. Follow all the government/NHS advice and consider yourself, irrespective of your age, because you have a mesothelioma diagnosis, as a vulnerable person.
In line with current government advice we are advising patients stay away from public gatherings at this time. We will update this advice as time passes and the situation changes.
I’m worried about having to stay indoors/away from my friends and family because of Covid-19.
Social media can help to alleviate feelings of isolation and loneliness. If you haven’t already, please follow the Mesothelioma UK Facebook, Twitterand Instagram pages. Some people might struggle with their mental health over the coming weeks, and the organisation Mind has some valuable information on how to look after your mental health at this time.
How might Covid-19 affect my treatment for mesothelioma?
Your health care team will be doing all they can to minimise the impact to your treatment and care. They will be weighing up the risks versus benefits which will differ for each patient.
It is likely over the coming weeks and months that your health care team will be asked to support local efforts. This may mean clinics will be cancelled or alternative consultation methods may need to be used such as video or telephone calling. You may also find it hard to contact your keyworker or nurse. Please ensure your contact details are up to date in your medical records and perhaps familiarise yourself with video calling options such as Facetime and Skype.
Ensure any medication you are using regularly is on repeat prescription to avoid unnecessary trips to the GP surgery.
Will I still have access to a mesothelioma nurse?
Please be reassured that Mesothelioma UK will continue to try and ensure a Mesothelioma Nurse Specialist is available through our information line to answer individual questions and concerns. if you are struggling to contact your local Mesothelioma UK nurse please ring our information line on 0800 169 2409.
If you have any advice or supportive comments for fellow mesothelioma patients or their families please post them on our social media pages or tag @MesoUK in your post. If you are unsure how to do this please forward to us at info@mesothelioma.uk.com or contact the information line.
Stay safe and please remember we are here for you and will do all we can to maintain our support throughout this challenging time.
