Just been told I have 12 to 18 months to live - how do I cope?

Teresa 9 years ago

2 replies

I was told yesterday I have only 12 to 18 months to live.  I have lung and heart disease.  I have no family except my mum aged 90.  I have no friends where I live as when my relationship ended, my friends went with him. They had known him longer.

At the moment I have,been crying and crying.  Thought I just had a nasty virus.  I already suffer from depression and now don't know how to cope mentally or emotionally.

How do people cope?

Jane 9 years ago

Hi Teresa

I am so sorry that you've had such devastating news. Being told you have a terminal illness is completely overwhelming, especially straight after getting the diagnosis. It's natural to experience a whole range of emotions and worries, especially if you have no family or friends who you can talk to.

There's a lot of helpful information on the Marie Curie website about how to cope when you've just been told you have a terminal illness (copy and paste https://www.mariecurie.org.uk/help/terminal-illness into your browser), including practical information such as how to get support and how to take care of yourself to try to make the most of the time you have, as well as help with how to cope with your feelings at this time. Often people also find it helpful to talk things through with others, and you can speak to somebody on Marie Curie's Support Line (0800 090 2309, Mon-Fri 9.00am-17.00pm) as well as to people involved in your care such as your district nurse or GP, and of course to others on this community. It's so hard to deal with news like this, I hope this is helpful to you.

Jane

Bulldog555 9 years ago

I think everyone is different. I did my share of crying. I have moved on now it's been two weeks. I have a few years even with treatment. I had to tell my kids that was the hardest. I am now enjoying every minute I live and I am grateful for them.