Terminal Illness

Receiving a terminal illness diagnosis is life-changing and often overwhelming for both patients and their loved ones. This section offers compassionate, practical guidance on what terminal illness means, available care and treatment options, lifestyle changes, and workplace considerations. You’ll also find resources for managing emotional, psychological, and financial challenges. These articles are here to help you navigate this difficult journey with information, encouragement, and a sense of control.

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Terminal Illness

What Is a “Terminal Illness?”

Before Death: End-of-Life Rights

Death index: Top 59 ways Americans die

How Has Cancer Survival Changed Over the Last 20 Years?

Mark’s Story: Living With a Terminal Illness

What Is Preparatory Grief for Patients Diagnosed With a Terminal Illness?

Why Does Heart Disease Remain the Leading Cause of Death in the World?

Explore National End-of-Life Events

How Have Psychedelics Been Used to Help Terminally Ill Patients With Death Anxiety?

Keys to Dying Well

Can Cannabis Help Alleviate Symptoms of Terminal Illness?

Learn why experts warn against the use of “war” metaphors when describing the experience of living with cancer

When Should I Begin Hospice Care?

What Is the Difference Between Palliative Care and Hospice?

When a Loved One Chooses to Stop Treatment

What Is the Right-to-Try Law for Terminally Ill Patients?

When Breath Becomes Air

What Is the FDA Expanded Access Program for Patients With Terminal Illness?

How Can I Participate in a Clinical Trial for My Terminal Illness?

My Doctor Says I Have a Terminal Illness. Should I Get a Second Opinion?

The Farewell

How Can I Deal With Anticipatory Grief and Prepare for My Loved One’s Death?

How Do You Help Children Cope With a Parent’s Terminal Illness and Possible Death?

A Virtual Team Huddle Brings More Humanity to Cancer Care

14 Quotes About Spirituality and Death

“Life After the Diagnosis” by Dr. Steven Z. Pantilat

How Does My Terminal Illness Affect My Family?

What Is the Family and Medical Leave Act?

“Living While Dying” by Cathy Zheutlin

Should Patients With a Terminal Illness Travel?

Is My Employer Required to Give Me Time Off for Treatment and Care?

So Much So Fast by Steven Ascher and Jeanne Jordan

Is It a Good Idea to Continue Working With a Terminal Illness?

What Is Urban Zen Integrative Therapy?

Should People Living With a Terminal Illness Create a Bucket List?

What Are Meaning-Making Activities to Do With a Loved One to Prepare for End of Life?

How Can Palliative Care Be Implemented in the ICU

How Can I Support Someone With a Terminal Illness?

Are Support Groups Available for People Diagnosed With a Terminal Illness?

What Is COBRA?

Is Financial Help Available for Patients With a Terminal Illness?

The Whole Family Gathered to Write Dad’s Obituary — Including Dad

What Is a Life Insurance Terminal Illness Benefit?

Legendary singer-songwriter Leonard Cohen shares powerful imagery of death and dying in “Who by Fire”

What Should I Do if My Loved One Is in Denial That They Are Dying?

How much does a second opinion cost?

The Confusing Truth About Increasing Cancer Rates

Is Depression a Normal Reaction to a Terminal Illness?

My Husband Died From Cancer, But I Lost Him to Morphine First

What Are Some Emotions People Experience in Response to a Terminal Illness?

How Can Knowing You Have a Terminal Illness Be Helpful?

Preparing for Death & Terminal Illness Books

Terminal Illness: Additional Resources