Coping with the news that you’re dying

In this section we look at some ways you may cope with the news that you’re approaching the end of life, and how your family and friends may react. Everyone copes in their own way. It is natural to experience a range of strong emotions and for these feelings to change often.

Learn more about:

• Hearing the news
• How you might feel
• Telling others
• Do people who are dying need to be told?

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Hearing the news

Learning that you may not have long to live is shocking news. Even if you are aware that the cancer has spread, hearing that you are dying can be extremely upsetting.

We all know that death is a natural part of life and that it will happen to us all one day, but most of us hope that we won’t die anytime soon. Realising that death is close can be frightening and hard to believe. For some people, it may be a relief. You may have questions right away, or you might need time to absorb the news and come to terms with the expected outcome of your disease (prognosis).

How you might feel

You will probably have many strong emotions. After the initial shock, feelings of fear, denial, anger, despair, helplessness and anxiety are common. You may also worry about how your family and friends will cope – emotionally, physically, socially and financially. The news will mean that you can’t live the future you’d planned. It may mean leaving behind a partner, children, family, friends and pets.

You may find that your emotions change, sometimes from day to day or even from hour to hour. This is often part of the process of making sense of what is happening. How you respond to these feelings will vary. You may find it hard to think clearly. It’s natural to cry or feel completely overwhelmed; you don’t need to put on a brave face.

Some people compare these feelings to waves at the beach. The first waves may knock you off your feet, then your footing becomes a little stronger. But, at any time, a large wave can suddenly come back and knock you off your feet again. The waves of emotions may not hit in any particular order, but people often say that their fears are stronger when it’s quieter at night, and that they rarely share how they’re feeling with others.

You may be able to work out your own ways to cope with these feelings. Find someone you can talk to, perhaps a family member or friend. You could also consider seeking professional help through a palliative care specialist or nurse, general practitioner (GP), counsellor, psychologist, psychiatrist or spiritual adviser. Other people nearing the end of life offer a unique perspective, so you may want to consider joining a support group.

It’s a hugely shocking thing, but we are all mortal and we all live as if we are not. And that’s one of the hardest things I think; we live as if life will go on forever and we’re so shocked when we find out that it doesn’t.

Susan

Telling others

There is no easy way to start this conversation, but you may find it helps to practise what you are going to say.

• When you feel ready, decide who to tell and what you want to say. Think of answers to possible questions, but only respond if you feel comfortable. You don’t have to share every detail.
• Choose a quiet time and place.
• Accept that people may react in different ways. They may be uncomfortable and perhaps not know what to say. If they get upset, you may find yourself comforting them, even though you are the one dying. Another common reaction is denial – they may be convinced that a cure will be found or that the doctors are wrong.
• Call Cancer Council 13 11 20 if you need help telling people. They can help you find the words that feel right for you. Another option is to ask your doctor or nurse to help you share the news.

For ways to talk to people (including children) about dying, see Emotional and spiritual concerns.