Shall we talk about a terminal illness? (Terminal Illness)

I know this is a difficult and sensitive topic to talk about. But we are all dealing with something that we may face at some point in our lives, either for ourselves or for a loved one. That is a terminal illness. Being aware of this can be a great strength at times like these. So let's talk about this openly and in an understandable way.

What is this terminal illness?

Simply put, a terminal illness is a condition that cannot be completely cured by any medical treatment and will inevitably end in death. This means that your illness cannot be reversed or cured.

This type of illness can become severe quickly, or it can develop gradually over time, gradually worsening the symptoms.

Learning that you have a terminal illness can feel like the world has come crashing down on you. There is no right or wrong way to deal with this kind of news. You may feel sad, angry, scared, or even relieved. You may even feel so empty that you can’t remember anything. You may feel all of these emotions at once. However you feel, that’s normal.

Whether you are a person with this condition or a caregiver, talking about death is not easy. However, knowing what to expect can help you navigate this difficult journey.

What are the most common terminal illnesses?

It is difficult to give a complete list of these terminal illnesses. Because the same illness may be fatal for one person and not for another. However, there are a few illnesses that are more likely to become fatal over time.

What is the difference between a terminal illness and a chronic illness?

These two words can sometimes be confused because they are both used to refer to lifelong illnesses. But there is a big difference between the two.

• Chronic illness: Diseases such as diabetes, asthma, or autoimmune disorders are chronic illnesses. People with these can control and manage the disease with treatment and live a normal life.
• Terminal illness: Here, treatment can help youIt's just to provide comfort. That means controlling symptoms, reducing pain, and providing relief. But those treatments won't save you from death.

How long can someone with this kind of disease live?

This is a question that many people ask, but it's also one of the hardest to answer. To be honest, there's no single answer to this. It varies greatly from person to person. The length of time you have to live depends on several factors. For example:

• What disease do you have?
• How is your physical health?
• What treatment are you receiving?

Your doctor will try his best to estimate how long you will live. But no one can say for sure. People with these diseases can live for days, weeks, months, or even years. Your doctor will tell you this information only if you want to know.

What symptoms can occur at the end of life?

Although symptoms will vary depending on your condition, there are some common signs that you may see as you approach the end of life.

It's important to tell your healthcare team if you develop any new symptoms or if an existing one gets worse . Don't panic when you see these symptoms. There are medications and treatments that can help control them and give you relief.

How are terminal illnesses treated?

The main goal of treatment here is to make the patient as comfortable and pain-free as possible, rather than to cure the disease. The medical team focuses on the concept of palliative care . In simple terms, this can be called 'comfort care'. The goals related to this are:

• Improving your quality of life.
• Managing your symptoms (such as pain and shortness of breath) well.
• Supporting your emotional, mental and spiritual well-being.

This palliative care team can also help with your legal plans (living wills, power of attorney, etc.).

How do you know when to seek hospice care?

Many people with terminal illnesses qualify for hospice care . This is a type of care that focuses on the patient’s comfort. This care can be provided in your own home, in a specialized hospice center, in a nursing home, or in a hospital. The hospice team can help you decide where is best for you. Usually, if your doctor thinks you have six months or less to live, you qualify for hospice care.

There is no rule that says hospice care must begin on this day. However, your doctor can help you decide on the best time to transition.

If you have this kind of illness, how do you take care of yourself?

It's normal to have a thousand thoughts running through your head when you receive a diagnosis like this. Anxiety and depression are also common. At this time, it's more important than ever to take care of yourself. Perhaps these things will help you:

• Try to accept the reality: This news is shocking. It will take time to fully absorb it. Accepting the fact that you are going to die means giving up the future you have dreamed of. It is not easy. However, understanding and respecting the reality of the situation will help you live in the present and make the most of every moment.
• Find someone to talk to: Talking to your loved ones can help you deal with these complex emotions. It also gives them a chance to support you. If you don't feel like talking to anyone right now, that's okay. You'll know when the time is right. In the meantime, journaling or talking to a counselor can help you organize your thoughts.
• If possible, maintain your normal routine: If you are physically able, plan your day as usual. Try to continue doing the things you enjoy.
• Prioritize things that bring you joy: This illness forces you into the present moment. Use that to your advantage. Engage in things that bring you joy and comfort. It can be as simple as drinking a hot cup of tea, reading a favorite book, or listening to the birds singing in the garden.
• Try complementary therapies: Things like acupuncture, reiki, yoga, massage, and meditation can provide you with great relief. But before you start anything like this, ask your doctor what methods are not right for you.

If your loved one has a terminal illness, how can you help?

Anticipatory grief is a very painful feeling. It is a heavy burden to think about death, how it will happen, and when it will happen.

If this is your first time dealing with something like this, you may not know what to do or say. It's normal to feel sad. But caring for someone like this isn't as complicated as you might think. People who are dying need the same things we all need - someone to listen, understand, and love them. Here are some ways you can help:

• Be a good listener: Even if you don't know what to say, give the person a chance to talk. Listen to what they're feeling. This is a scary time for both of you. Be supportive of each other.
• Spend time with them: Just being there is a great comfort to them. Watch a movie together. Take a short drive. Listen to their favorite songs. Read a book. It's not what you do that matters, it's that you're with them.
• If you think you need help, don't wait until you ask: People nearing the end of their lives may hesitate to ask for help because they don't want to be a burden on others. If you can see a way to help, do it. It could be something like going to the store, making dinner, or doing laundry.
• Include them in everything: Don't assume that they won't want to come to anything because they're sick. Invite them too, and let them make the decision.
• While being honest about the situation, reassure them that you won't leave them alone: ​​Talk about the disease simply and truthfully. Don't act like it's not happening. At the same time, offer hope. Ask them what their final wishes are, and include them in those plans. Let them know that you are with them and will never give up.
• Respect their wishes and needs: Listen to what they want and need. Help them in the way they need help, not in the way you want to help them.