Mesothelioma Support Groups for Veterans

Patients deserve support when facing mesothelioma. This cancer is very rare and usually diagnosed in its later stages, making it emotionally overwhelming and financially challenging for many families.

Mesothelioma support groups allow those facing this cancer to connect with other patients while learning about treatments, support resources, and ways to navigate life after a diagnosis.

The Mesothelioma Veterans Center hosts a free online mesothelioma support group that meets every month. It’s co-moderated by registered nurse Liz Logan, oncology social worker Lindsey Rotnem, and Major Jonathan Nelson (Ret), a VA-accredited attorney and veterans advocate.

Below, we’ve asked Major Nelson what U.S. veterans with mesothelioma can expect when joining a support group and how to find one that’s right for them.

Join our Virtual Support Group to connect with other patients facing a mesothelioma diagnosis.

Q: What is a mesothelioma support group?

A mesothelioma support group gives you the opportunity to connect with other people who understand what you're going through while also getting answers to many of the questions that come up after a diagnosis.

One thing I've learned from working with veterans is that mesothelioma can feel incredibly isolating. Because it's such a rare cancer, many patients don't know anyone else who's been through it.

When you join a support group, you find allies in your fight. Support groups meet regularly online, in person, or over the phone, and are typically led by someone like an oncology nurse or mental health counselor to give you real-time support, guidance, and advice.

At the Mesothelioma Veterans Center, our group meets online once a month. I answer questions about military asbestos exposure, VA benefits, and other matters that veterans ask me after a diagnosis.

Our registered nurse and oncology social worker are there to provide guidance and support for medical issues and valuable skills to cope with cancer.

Q: How do I find mesothelioma patient support groups near me?

If you're interested in an in-person support group, I'd start by asking your cancer care team. Many hospitals and VA treatment centers host support groups for patients and caregivers, or they can point you toward one in your community.

You can also search online for local cancer support groups that meet at community centers, churches, or other organizations.

Even if a group isn't specifically focused on mesothelioma, don't rule it out. Many people find it helpful to connect with others who understand what it's like to live with cancer, regardless of the diagnosis.

But if you’re looking for a mesothelioma-specific group, there are plenty of virtual options, including our monthly Zoom call.

Q: How do I join your online mesothelioma support group?

The first step is to save your spot for our next meeting. It’s always free to join our group, and it's open to anyone impacted by mesothelioma.

After you’ve signed up, you'll receive reminders about when our next meeting is taking place. You’ll then get a digital link to join the group on the day of the meeting.

Every meeting includes time for questions from patients and families. We also spend time talking about topics people ask about all the time, like treatment side effects, caregiving, VA benefits, and other ways to get help.

The goal of each support group meeting is to make sure that you and other patients can easily access the resources you need and find some comfort in a challenging time.

Q: Are online mesothelioma support groups less effective than in-person ones?

Not at all! Online support groups can be just as valuable as meeting in person. It really comes down to what works best for you and your family.

Joining from home makes life a lot easier for many of the veterans I work with. If you're dealing with treatment, not feeling your best, or you live a long way from a cancer center, you can still be part of the conversation without having to travel.

With that said, there are plenty of benefits to in-person cancer groups, such as not worrying about technological errors that could prevent you from joining. Many people simply like meeting others in real life, too.

Q: Can I get help accessing VA benefits through a cancer support group?

Not every cancer support group offers help with VA benefits, but ours does. I'm accredited by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to help veterans file VA benefits claims.

Many U.S. veterans qualify for maximum benefits like $4,158.17 a month in disability compensation, but filing can be overwhelming if you’re already dealing with cancer.

My job at the Mesothelioma Veterans Center is to make that process easier. I help veterans gather the records they need, prepare their claims, and work through the filing process from start to finish, all at no cost.

Many VA-accredited attorneys and claims agents charge veterans a percentage of their back pay. We don't. Helping veterans receive the benefits they've earned is simply part of what we do.

If you have questions about filing for VA benefits, I'd be happy to answer them during one of our support group meetings. And if you need help sooner, you can reach out to me right now.

Q: Are there support groups for families of mesothelioma patients?

Yes, there are support groups created specifically for family members and caregivers.

Taking care of someone with mesothelioma is a big responsibility. You're helping with doctor's appointments, treatments, and day-to-day needs while also trying to support someone you care about. That's a lot for anyone to carry.

Support groups are a great way to avoid burnout, find ways to provide care more effectively, and feel less alone. There are also grief counseling groups you can join if your loved one has passed away from this cancer.

Your loved one's medical team may be able to recommend caregiver support groups in your area. Organizations like the Meso Foundation also host virtual support groups for caregivers and family members.

The VA also offers two programs for caregivers that include peer-support mentoring, skills training, and educational resources.

Join Our Next Virtual Mesothelioma Support Group

A mesothelioma diagnosis can be scary and isolating, but a support group can make it a lot easier to bear.

Our Virtual Support Group, co-moderated by Major Nelson and medical staff, offers a monthly place where you can connect with other patients and get the help that you deserve.

Save your spot for our next Virtual Support Group or call (877) 450-8973 to learn more about how we can help U.S. veterans like you.