Source: Cancer Resource Room
Learning
that you have advanced cancer, or cancer
for which there is no effective treatment,
or cancer for which treatment is no longer
working , brings emotions and feelings
to a different level. Death is a reality
every human being will face. Yet, most
of us have given little thought to our
mortality. Here is some information to
help you understand some of the emotional
and practical aspects of facing death.
- Give
yourself time to process the information.
Your thoughts and feelings may be
jumbled together. Be patient with yourself.
- Draw
upon your decision-making and
coping skills, as well as your spirituality.
- Understand that a range of feelings
is normal. Human beings have built
in instincts to work through grief
and loss. Allow yourself to feel
whatever you are feeling at different
times- afraid, angry, anxious, sad,
grief-stricken, happy, grateful,
content, peaceful and spiritual.
- Allow people to care about you. Ask
for and accept help and support.
Family members, friends, members
of your health care team, a spiritual
advisor and others are there
to go through this experience with
you. Don't try to do it alone. Seeking
support will help you and those
who care about you.
- Ask your health
care providers for the information
you need to make decisions or
to come to terms with your diagnosis.
Ask about options such as hospice
care and palliative care. The
Cancer Resource Room also has information
on this.
- Plan for your future
care and end-of-life care based on
your own feelings and values. Put
your wishes in writing and choose
a health care proxy-a
person who will make medical decisions
for you if you become unable to do
so yourself. Talk with this person
at length to be sure he or she understands
what you want.
A Time of Reflection and Transition
Facing death and loss can be seen as a
growing and learning experience. Look
at it as a time for reflection, a time
to resolve unresolved issues, and a time
to grieve losses and count blessings.
Try to see it as a time to recognize
what is precious and to appreciate each
day as a gift. Many cancer patients who
are facing death describe this time in
their lives as a time when they feel
most in touch with their true sense of
meaning and purpose.
What's New
To Search Pub Med, please see below.
Homecare and Hospice
Consumer
and selected health professional journals
Grief and Bereavement
Consumer
and selected health professional journals
Support
& Education Programs
We know that being diagnosed with cancer can be stressful for you and your
family. We offer a variety of cancer support services to help patients and
families gain the support and information they will need to meet the challenges
ahead.
To find the next support group on "Faith
in God, Why Me? along with other programs,
please go to this month's offerings in the
HOPES
calendar.
Services at Massachusetts General Hospital
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