![]() ![]() Other people may find that they feel better or worse at different points during their illness – it is not always a straight path. Sometimes, a person's condition will gradually get worse as the illness progresses. It may help to remember that no two experiences of a terminal illness are the same. It can be shocking or upsetting to get a terminal diagnosis, as people sometimes think the word 'terminal' means they will die soon. It can be difficult for healthcare professionals to predict exactly how long someone with a terminal illness will live (their prognosis). It often depends on their diagnosis and any treatment they are having. Someone with a terminal illness may live for days, weeks, months or years. How long will someone with a terminal illness live? If you are unsure or worried about whether your illness is terminal, it's best to speak with your healthcare professional. Sometimes healthcare professionals may use different terms or definitions. The diagnosis would be given after tests and, in some cases, treatment. The healthcare professional managing the treatment for your condition, such as your doctor or consultant, should explain whether your illness is terminal or not. Read Macmillan Cancer Support's information about staging and grading cancer. If you are not sure about the words your healthcare professional is using, it is best to ask them to explain what they mean. Some healthcare professionals may define or use the words 'terminal' and 'advanced' differently. If you have terminal cancer, you can still have palliative care or treatment, which may focus on managing symptoms. Some advanced cancers can be treated to control their growth or spread, while others are terminal. Terminal cancer usually means the cancer cannot be controlled and is likely to be the cause of someone's death. Is advanced cancer always terminal?Īdvanced cancer is not always terminal, but it can be.Īdvanced cancer usually means that there is a lot of cancer or it has spread (is a later stage). If you have questions about your illness, it is best to speak with your healthcare professional. Remember that these illnesses are not always terminal. neurological diseases, like Parkinson's.People who are terminally ill may have a single illness or a number of different conditions.Įxamples of some illnesses which can be terminal include: Memory books to fill in for loved ones.There is no set list of illnesses which are terminal.Personal gifts like lotions or blankets.However, if you do want to buy them something, here are some suggestions: Maybe they would prefer you to make a donation to a charity of their choice," says Williams. Some gifts are simply kind thoughts or actions. "Gifts do not have to come in packages or be things you wrap up. Rather than buying them a tangible object, perhaps you could help them complete a practical task, or they might just want to spend quality time with you. ![]() It's also a good idea to think outside the box. Williams says you should ask them what they would like, to avoid upsetting or distressing them. You will know your loved one better than anyone, but you might struggle to decide on a Christmas present for them if you know they have a terminal illness. What kind of gifts can you buy for someone who is terminally ill? It's also fine to skip things like presents if you don't feel up to it. But, your loved ones will want to help so you aren't struggling. It can be hard to accept that you aren't able to do what you used to. It might be difficult to do this at first, especially if you're used to hosting Christmas or doing everything by yourself. If you need help buying or wrapping gifts, cooking, decorating or doing anything at all, ask your loved ones to lend a hand. Don't over-fill your diary or feel pressured to commit to every event. You don't know how you'll feel on the day, and you don't want to burn yourself out. Try not to commit to too much, especially if you're making plans in advance. If chicken soup is all you fancy, or cheese on toast feels more manageable, you can replace your roast with an alternative. While a full roast dinner is the 'traditional' Christmas meal, it isn't right for everyone. Just do what feels right, and it's fine if those plans change throughout the day as your mood shifts. ![]() There will be things to consider that you haven't needed to think twice about previously. There isn't a 'right' or a 'wrong' way to celebrate it, and it's natural for things to look different if you have a terminal illness. ![]()
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