Whether it's cancer or some other chronic illness, hearing that you are only expected to live for a few more weeks or months can come as quite a shock. It may make you feel like a time bomb, and you may not be sure how to handle it. It is a hard pill to swallow for your family members and friends as well. It is something everyone needs to cope with. Dealing with a death sentence can be even harder when you know your physical health is only going to decline as time goes on. Hearing this news isn't easy for anyone, but you likely want to spend what time you have left living life to the fullest. If you are facing a limited amount of time left in this world, then there are some things you should do.
Process the News
Give yourself and your family time to process the news. While it isn't something you want to dwell on, it is important to let the news sink in. There will likely be many tears as well as some anger and denial. All of this is normal. Allow yourself to feel your emotions so they don't remain bottled up inside. Encourage those around you to do the same. This news isn't easy for anyone, and so it's important to allow yourself to grieve. However, you don't want to do this for too long because you want to enjoy what time you have left.
Realize Doctors Don't Know Everything
While you don't want to be in denial about your situation, remember that doctors don't have a crystal ball that tells them the date you are going to die. All they can do is give you an educated guess. This guess is likely determined on your health as well as the typical timetable for those who have had the same illness as you. While most of the time, this guess can be pretty accurate, there are people who have lived months or even years longer than they were predicted to. Try to give yourself the hope that you have more time than you have been told.
Make a Bucket List
After you have processed all of your emotions and are ready to enjoy what time you have left, consider making a bucket list. Put together a reasonable list of goals you would like to accomplish before you pass away. It may be something as simple as trying a new restaurant or something a bit more complex, like taking a road trip. This will help give you things to look forward to as well as help you figure out what is most important to you. Some simple, yet fun bucket list ideas include:
- Trying a new food
- Reading a book
- Learning a new hobby
Take It One Day at a Time
There are days where you are going to feel awesome and days when it is hard for you to get out of bed. Try to take each day as it comes. If you are feeling well enough, try to get out of the house and do something you enjoy. If you are feeling especially sick or weak, stay in and get some extra rest. Maybe you could have a family member come over for a movie day if you are feeling up to it. Let how you are feeling physically determine what you do each day. Don't always adhere to a strict schedule.
Enjoying the time you have left on this earth is important if you may not have much time left. Try to enjoy yourself by making a list of goals and spending lots of time with your friends and family.
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