Advanced cancer may very well be the hardest thing you and your family have ever faced. Now you have to face the reality that you will soon die. Your family members recognize this, too. The next few months may be hard, but while you may have not been given the gift of time, you have the chance to focus on the quality of time and special sharing with your loved ones.

Thinking about death can be scary and painful, but it's a time to focus on physical, spiritual, emotional, and familial concerns. Sharing your goals, hopes, expectations, and concerns with your family and your health care team can help you through this time. Knowing what to expect and being prepared to deal with it can enable you to get the support and care you need in order to have the very best quality of life possible.

Through the information shared here, we have tried to prepare you for some of the problems and concerns you may face. We've also tried to make a few suggestions for coping with some of the stresses that may come with caring for a person near the end of life. If you or your family needs more information, you can call us anytime day or night at 1-800-227-2345. We have cancer information specialists who can help you with your questions and help you find the resources you need.

Last Medical Review: 04/19/2009
Last Revised: 05/06/2009