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1 AFTER TREATMENT: Emotions after Cancer Treatment
Advanced
Cancer Decisions
Cancer that has grown and spread to vital organs is called advanced or metastatic cancer. Making
decisions related to advanced cancer can be difficult. It is often hard to talk with others about these
types of matters. Yet sharing this information will help you and your loved ones make the best decisions
for the situation.
“There are choices in how I respond to different things, but I have a faith —SUSAN C.
that life is what it is. ... In some things, we really don’t have a choice.
Hope for me really means hope for the future of treatments for these
kinds of illnesses. Hope is broader for me—it’s for the whole universe.”
Making advanced care decisions can be a very emo- Survivors with metastatic cancer often have pro-
tional experience. A member of your health care longed and productive lives. However, learning that
team, a loved one or trusted friend might be able cancer has spread can bring strong feelings. These
to help. A social worker, member of the clergy or a may include anxiety and depression. Ask your health
faith-based advisor can also provide support. There care provider to refer you or your loved ones for help
is no need to make challenging decisions alone. dealing with worries and stressors.
TREATMENT OPTIONS If you have advanced cancer, discuss your pref-
FOR ADVANCED CANCER erences for future care with the people you love. It
is time to prepare advance medical directives if you
Cancer may have already spread or metastasized have not already done so. It is also time to prepare
at the time of diagnosis. It can also happen during legal documents such as a living will. Taking care of
treatment or even years after. Cancer that has spread legal matters does not mean you are giving up. This
does not mean that you or your medical team made is an important part of life planning that everyone
a wrong choice or did anything wrong. needs to do. It is also something you can do that will
help your loved ones in the event of a medical crisis.
Many clinical trials are working on develop-
ing new treatments for metastatic cancer. Ask your SUPPORTIVE CARE
health care provider if he or she knows about any DURING ADVANCED CANCER
treatments or clinical trials for your type and stage
of cancer. You may want to seek other medical opin- Advanced cancer can bring sleep problems, confu-
ions about the best care options as well. sion, depression or physical challenges. Many of these
symptoms can be relieved. Discuss specific care con-
A navigator from the Foundation’s cancer navi- cerns with members of your health care team.
gation services can also help you find information
about treatment options including matching to There is hope during advanced cancer. There are
clinical trials. Other free services include counsel- many amazing stories about recovery when no one
ing and help with insurance issues. Call toll-free seemed to think it could be possible. Yet, the focus of
855.220.7777 or go to LIVESTRONG.org/Can- care might change from cure to comfort care if there are
cerSupport. no new treatment options. Comfort care means provid-
ing the best ways of caring for pain and symptoms.
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www.LIVESTRONG.org/WeCanHelp