Coping with advanced cancer and day-to-day life

You may have concerns about practical matters such as your work or finances. You may be worried about your treatment, pain or other symptoms, loss of independence or mobility. You may be concerned about how you will be cared for as your cancer develops. You may have thoughts about death, people you would leave behind or what happens after death. These are all common thoughts that people have. Talking about your concerns with those close to you or with professionals can really help.

Talking to your doctor or specialist nurse Back to top

Your worries about things like how your cancer may affect your daily life or which symptoms you might have may be eased by knowing more about them. Your doctor, palliative care nurse or a specialist nurse at the hospital may be able to help to answer your questions. It can help to prepare some questions you might like to ask. You can also contact the Macmillan Support Line| and talk things through with a nurse. Some organisations| may also be able to provide services.

It’s normal to worry about the future, especially when you have a serious illness. There may be times when you feel that cancer is on your mind all the time and you can’t think about anything else. But you don’t have to cope with your fears on your own. There are a number of sources of support you can turn to for practical advice, medical information, emotional support or spiritual comfort. You may find that, when some of your worries have been addressed, you will feel less burdened, and more able to concentrate on living life the way you want to.