Mesothelioma and emotions

A diagnosis of mesothelioma is a devastating experience for most people. When first diagnosed many people feel shocked, numb and unable to believe what is happening or to feel any emotion. Some people feel as though the situation is happening to someone else -- as though they are watching themselves from the outside.

At first you may find that all you can take in is the fact that you have mesothelioma.  Often people say that when they were told they had cancer, they didn't hear the rest of the conversation with their doctor at all. One person who had just been diagnosed said "the doctor's lips were moving, but I couldn't hear any sound coming out".

You may also feel panicky and may have physical symptoms such as those described in the section on panic. You might find that you can take in only a small amount of information and so you have to keep asking the same questions over and over again, or you need to be told the same bits of information repeatedly. This need for repetition is a common reaction to shock. Some people might find their feelings of disbelief make it difficult for them to talk about their illness with their family and friends. Other people might feel an overwhelming urge to discuss it with everyone.

The diagnosis and treatment may cause you to feel a range of strong emotions such as fear, anger, sadness or depression. These emotions are common responses but can be very frightening and difficult to deal with.