Receiving a terminal cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming as you have a lot to think about. Our blog discusses what to expect with a terminal condition and the steps you might take next.
What is terminal cancer?
We use the term terminal when a condition, such as cancer, is incurable and will lead to a person’s death. We may also refer to this as end-stage cancer. It can be shocking to hear that you have terminal cancer, and people deal with their diagnosis differently.
There is no right or wrong way to deal with your diagnosis. Our cancer care team will answer any questions you have to help you process the news.
Is advanced the same as terminal?
While some use the two terms interchangeably, advanced is not the same as terminal. Advanced cancer can be terminal, but in some cases, it may respond to treatment. The aim of your treatment may differ slightly depending on the severity of your condition. For example, the focus may be on curing your cancer, extending your life, or improving your quality of life.
Signs of terminal cancer
You may develop new symptoms as your condition progresses and cancer reaches new body parts. These can include:
- Bowel problems, such as constipation, diarrhoea, or a blockage
- Cold skin, especially your hands or fingers and feet or toes
- Exhaustion/ fatigue (feeling very tired)
- Weight or appetite loss
- Feeling or being sick
- Difficulty breathing
- Headaches
- Weakness
You may experience memory problems or mood changes if cancer spreads to your brain. During the last few weeks of life, you may feel confused sometimes or have difficulty concentrating. You might also want to sleep more or experience restlessness.
Visit our blog toread about managing terminal cancer and its symptoms.
Your feelings
You may feel numb, cry, or feel angry and scared. Some people feel calm and accepting; there is no right way to feel after a terminal cancer diagnosis. You may benefit from talking through your emotions with someone close to you or a trained professional. However, you may not feel ready to talk and that’s okay too. You should do what works for you.
How long can I live with terminal cancer?
Some people want to know their life expectancy, while others prefer not to. Many factors influence how long you might live with a terminal condition. We call this your prognosis. It may be days, weeks, months, or even years. Your cancer care team can provide an estimate based on your overall health and cancer type. However, it can be hard to predict. Your treatment and how it affects you may also change your prognosis.
You may or may not feel comfortable discussing your prognosis with your friends and family. They may also avoid asking about it as they might not want to upset you. The decision to share this with others is yours only, and it’s okay to say that you aren’t ready yet.
Questions you might want to ask
After hearing you have a terminal diagnosis, you may have many questions or be unsure what to ask. Below are some questions you might want to ask your cancer care team:
- What is my life expectancy?
- What are my palliative care options?
- What can we do to improve my quality of life?
- Are there any treatments that might extend my life?
- How might my symptoms change as my condition progresses?
Questions you might want to ask yourself:
- What do I want to do next?
- Where do I want to be cared for?
- Do I want to continue treatment?
- Do I want to join a support group?
- Who do I want to talk to about this?
- Do I want to write an advance statement?
- What might make me feel better during this time?
Once you have processed the news, you might want to start planning your next steps, such as choosing where to spend your final days.
Your next steps
Planning your future care allows your healthcare team and loved ones to meet your needs and wishes. You may want to die at home, or in a hospice, care home or hospital. Some people decide to make a living will, which specifies which treatment you do and do not want.
You might want to think about organising your finances and legal affairs. While you do not have to write a will, it is helpful to ensure your property, money, and possessions go where you want them to. You can write it yourself, but it's often better to hire a professional as you need to meet specific requirements to make it valid.
Some people like to leave behind a memory box that includes significant items for your loved ones. You may also wish to write a letter, record a video, or leave something else that will help them feel connected to you.
Receiving a terminal cancer diagnosis
Your cancer care team will confirm whether your condition has become terminal and your treatment options. Treatment for terminal cancer often focuses on managing pain and other symptoms. We call this palliative care.
At The Royal Marsden, ourSymptom Control and Palliative Care Teamalso provides emotional and psychological support, leading to reduced depression. Our Hospital to Home (H2H) service helps ease the change of your care while keeping all healthcare professionals involved in your care updated.
There is a lot to process when you have a terminal condition, and we have manysupport servicesavailable to improve your comfort as your life ends. Our cancer care team will answer all your questions and work with you to create a care plan that allows you to die on your terms.Get in touchto discuss how we can help you through this difficult time.
