Asbestos

Grief

Terminal Illness Phases

A terminal (life-threatening) disease can be described as having five phases: first there is the phase before diagnosis, then there is the acute phase, the chronic phase, the recovery phase, and finally the terminal phase. There have been some illnesses where this fifth phase can be prevented, but unfortunately with mesothelioma there is as of yet no way to prevent the disease entering the final stage, though there has been some success with slowing down the progression of mesothelioma.

The first phase is the time directly before an official diagnosis of a terminal illness is made. It is characterized as the period of time when a person begins to recognize symptoms and realizes that he or she may have contracted an illness. This phase is not a single instant of recognition, but instead is more of a period of time when the person has undergone physical examinations, various tests, and ultimately ends when the person is told they are suffering from a terminal illness.

The acute phase occurs at the time of diagnosis when the person is then forced to understand their situation. They then have to make decisions regarding his or her medical care, and the treatment options that are available to them.

The chronic phase is the period of time between the diagnosis and the result from the treatments. It is during this time that the patient tries to cope with the demands of daily life while also going through necessary medical treatment and often having to struggle with the unpleasant side effects of their treatment. In the past, this phase usually only lasted a few months at most and was spent mainly in the hospital. Nowadays, thanks to ever-increasing medical technology people are able to live for years after being diagnosed with cancer.

The recovery phase occurs when people finally are able to cope with the mental, social, physical, religious and financial effects of their cancer. Recovery does not always mean remission, but instead it is the ability to accept and deal with the struggles of their illness.

The terminal (final) phase of any life-threatening illness occurs when death appears as very likely. The focus of doctors and patients now changes from attempting to cure the illness or prolong life into trying to provide relief from pain and comfort the sufferer. Often religious concerns are the focus during this time as well as trying to tie up any loose ends.