How do you face life and death with terminal lung cancer?

Answer 1

Facing a terminal illness and coping with the idea of death is a process. It is not something that happens quickly. There are stages involved that each person has to face in the process. Hospice is an incredible organization that helps the terminally ill person move through all of the stages from denial and anger into acceptance. There are also many great books on the subject and support groups available.

Answer 2

One day at a time. Ellen gave you a good answer. Denial and disbelief of the diagnosis and fate at first. Then anger about why life is not fair, then acceptance of what's coming. With the help of hospice and a good counselor or minister then a person's passing can be much more comfortable than when a person stays in denial or anger mode. Hospice can help allow the person to die at home in their own bed and usually out of pain. The process with terminal lung cancer can last from a few weeks to longer than a year. best

Answer 3

I believe that each of the previous answers are very helpful. I was diagnosed with cancer last month and my first concern was my daughter who is pregnant and has a fifteen month old also. Her husband left her when she was 5 mos. pregnant and I had promised to help her raise them. I plan on hanging around for as long as possible. I was told that they believe that they got all the cancer but I must have radiation as a precautionary measure. I had to face the fact that I like everyone else must someday leave this world. Like I told my cousin who was born with Cystic Fibrosis, you could outlive everyone. God is the one who ultimately decides when we go. We were told that she would only live until age 12. she is 35 years old, is a pre-natal nurse, married and has just adopted a baby boy. she is doing great! She never let the "death sentence" determine how she lives. If anything it has helped her live everyday to the fullest. She deep sea fishes, has been to mardis gra balls, won pagents, traveled to many exotic places among other things. I think we are fortunate in a way because when you face death, in a way for me at least, you aren't scared to live. Live life to the fullest, prepare for the worst and pray for the best, prepare your family for the day that you wont be there and make it as easy as possible for them by letting your wishes be known, finding insurance papers etc. that they will need, prepare a will, tell them how much you love them, take pictures with them even if you aren't feeling or looking your best. I personally enjoy getting "outside of myself" by continuing to work with the homeless ministry that I have worked with for many years. I take things slower and delegate more and let people help me which is one of the heardest parts. I also read my Bible and read about how great life will be after death. It is my belief that there is no pain or sorrow on the other side. I also believe that I will not be separated from my loved ones forever. I wish you an abudent life. I pray that each day is full of happy times free from fear and sadness. You will be in my prayers.

Answer 4

You go out and do the things you've always wanted to do. My mom has recently died from Secondary Terminal Bone Cancer, we just took her on lots of day trips,didnt worry her about any family problems and treated her like we normally did. i think the key is not to make a fuss, dont keep getting upset cos the person with the cancer obviously knows what the outcome is. Get in contact with Macmillan nurses.

Answer 5

If it is terminal then you have to face death and look back on your life for strength to help you fight. The lord has put us on this earth to grow and be the best that we possibly can be, mentally & physically , to make some kind of difference in this world or help others to find the strength to make their lives better. Because for many others it is just as hard to face life as it is to face death.

Answer 6

I think it is hard, but you surround yourself with the people you love and who love you. I think it takes a while for it to sink in and calm down. My husband died seven months ago and we were sure hoping that things would get better, but they didn't. He seemed to know before any of us that he was about to die. He died Monday morning at 3 am. He talked to all of us on Saturday about what he wanted.

I have stage four breast cancer and at the moment I am okay. But, I also have been thinking alot about life and death. I was so overwhelmed with my husband dying and then me being diagnosed that about 5 months later I decided I needed an antidepressant. It has helped me to cope a lot better. I really got tired of crying so much.

Answer 7

Try to fight it. See Steve F's post here http://answers.yahoo.com/question/?qid=20071125082305AAaGUaM and also some of my recent posts like http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=AmMrDfKw_zo1Sotp869qR2Tsy6IX;_ylv=3?qid=20071201153712AAx2tBm&show=7#profile-info-7hlqtovmaa . Good luck.