Your doctor tells you that you have 3 months to live. What should you do to prepare?

 

Your doctor tells you that you have 3 months to live. What should you do to prepare?

Hearing that you have 3 months to live is understandably overwhelming and throws everything into perspective. There's no one-size-fits-all answer on what to do during this time, as your priorities and desires will be highly personal. However, here are some practical and emotional aspects you might consider addressing:

Practical steps:

• Medical and legal affairs:
  • Discuss treatment options with your doctor and make informed decisions about your care.
  • Update your will, power of attorney for healthcare, and living will, if you haven't already. These documents ensure your wishes for medical care and asset distribution are followed.
  • Consider funeral arrangements and organ donation, if desired.
• Personal affairs:
  • Tie up loose ends like unpaid bills, credit card debt, and subscriptions.
  • Write letters to loved ones, sharing your feelings and memories.
  • Organize important documents and passwords for easy access by loved ones.
  • Say goodbye to people who are important to you.

Emotional and spiritual well-being:

• Seek support:
  • Talk to trusted friends, family, or a therapist about your feelings and fears.
  • Consider joining a support group for people facing terminal illness.
  • Seek spiritual guidance if it brings you comfort.
• Focus on what matters:
  • Spend quality time with loved ones.
  • Pursue activities that bring you joy and meaning.
  • Make amends or reconcile with anyone you feel you have wronged.
  • Reflect on your life and find peace with your past.

It's important to remember that these are just suggestions, and you should prioritize what feels right for you. Allow yourself to grieve, experience joy, and live your remaining time authentically. You may also consider seeking professional help from a therapist or counselor who specializes in supporting individuals with terminal illness.

Here are some additional resources that might be helpful:

• The National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization: https://www.nhpco.org/
• The American Cancer Society: https://www.cancer.org/
• The Dougy Center: https://www.dougy.org/ (for children and families coping with loss)
• The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI): https://www.nami.org/

Remember, you are not alone in this process. There are many people who care about you and want to support you during this difficult time.