When Cancer Cannot be Cured

If your doctor has told you that it’s not possible to cure your cancer, and if you’ve decided to stop aggressive treatment, then living with cancer means facing your death. You’re probably having many feelings about your situation, maybe even all at once. Shock, denial, anger, sadness, fear, frustration, resentment, and even relief are all normal reactions. You may be wondering if you can ever accept what’s happening. You may ask “Why me?” and try to bargain for more time. You may grieve for yourself and for the loved ones you’ll leave behind.

There’s no right or wrong way to cope when cancer can’t be cured. No one can tell you what you should think, feel, or do, and only you can decide how to live the rest of your life. But whatever your particular situation is, know that with time, care, and support, you really can come to terms with it. Your life can still have purpose and meaning.

Here are some suggestions that can help you cope. Click on the links for details about each one.

• Be patient with yourself
• Take an active role in your treatment
• Ask for and accept help
• Do the things that really matter to you
• Focus on the positive

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This page was last updated: October 27th, 2004 at 9:59am.