Last month I was told by my consultant that I have between 6 - 12 months to live.

  1. I'm trying to sort out all of my things, eg paperwork, clothes etc..... so that my partner doesn't have to deal with it all when I am no longer here. But I find I start sorting things out, then get upset and find that I have even more of a mess. Also what if the consultant is wrong, that I don't actually have that length of time, but have less.

            I would be grateful for any input.

            Thank you ever so much.

             Yofi. X

  • Hi Yofi,  I am so sorry to hear about your diagnosis.  It is such a shock and it is very hard to process.  I have incurable cancer too and having palliative treatment.  You know that your consultant could be wrong and you could have longer length of time too.  I am on another forum for people with incurable cancer and many have far outlived what the consultant diagnosed.  8 Years or more.  Have you and your partner been offered counselling?  This forum and the Macmillan forum , you can phone the nurses and they can support you.  The Macmillan nurses organised counselling for me and it really helped.  I just wanted you to know that you are not alone x

    Lee x

  • Hello Yofi,

                      how do you find the stability to deal with the position you face?, l suspect that is in time and that is what your doctor has sought to give you .Its a bestimate based upon previous experience and a pointer to the severity of the challenge you face.This said it is simply an overview of the average, and you have to remember that each individual only makes up part of the average and in no way average themselves. 

    You are asking the how long is my piece of string question to which none of us would have the answer until measured after the event. Your choice now lies between worrying and stressing about the unknown or taking the very best out of each new day as you face it.The last option seems much more preferable since it does not come with any indications as to time.

    Don't go wasting your time looking for your string, and l hope that it proves to be a very long length for you,

    David

  • Hi Yofi, just seen your post, no words are adequate for you..

    My sista has incurable cancer ( diagnosed 17 months ago) she has become a tornado, spending every moment ( when pain permits) clearing, tidying, sorting..papers/ clothes/ photos..in an aim to get things sorted..a way to not think about the unthinkable.. I worry about her, try to get her to take care of herself, rest ..but then I had to acknowledge this is her journey and she has to deal with it her own way .. I am more than 500 miles away and unable to travel due to my health issues, when all I want is to be with her to offer care and support..

    As others have explained, a prognosis is offered from the experience of previous patients.. we are unique which means..one day at a time