If you have a loved one who is extremely sick, you may have heard the words “terminal prognosis“ and “diagnosis.” These words can be confusing and scary, but they are essential to understand. This article will explain what they mean and how they are different. We will also give tips and resources to help you and your loved one cope with this challenging situation.
A terminal prognosis means that a doctor thinks that a person will not live longer than six months because of their illness. A diagnosis means that a doctor has discovered a person’s illness. Sometimes, a person can have more than one diagnosis, which means they have more than one illness.
Many people face terminal illnesses every year. In the United States, about 3 million people die from terminal illnesses each year. That means that about 1 in every 100 people die from a terminal illness. Terminal illnesses can affect anyone, young or old, rich or poor, male or female. They can also affect the families and caregivers of the sick person. Families and caregivers may feel sad, angry, scared, or guilty. They may also have to deal with many changes and challenges, such as financial problems, legal issues, or emotional stress.
We know this is a tough time for you and your loved one. You are not alone. Many people and organizations can help you. In this article, we will share some of them with you. We will also tell you how to communicate with your loved one and their healthcare team and how to plan for a good death. A good death means that a person dies peacefully and comfortably, with their wishes respected and their dignity preserved.
We hope that this article will help you understand and cope with your loved one’s terminal prognosis and diagnosis. We also hope that it will help you and your loved one have a good quality of life and a good death. Remember that you and your loved one are valuable and loved, no matter what.
What is a Terminal Prognosis?
A terminal prognosis means that a doctor thinks a person will not live longer than six months because of their illness. This does not mean that the person will die exactly in six months. It means that the doctor has looked at the person’s health and the type of illness and made an educated guess based on their experience and knowledge.
Many factors can influence how long a person lives with a terminal illness. Some of these factors are:
The type and stage of the illness
The person’s age and overall health
The person’s response to treatment and medication
The person’s lifestyle and habits
The person’s attitude and coping skills
The person’s support system and quality of life
These factors can make a person live longer or shorter than the doctor’s estimate. Sometimes, a person can live much longer than expected, and sometimes, a person can die much sooner than expected. This can make it hard to plan and prepare for the future.
Having a terminal prognosis can be very hard to accept and cope with. You and your loved one may feel many different emotions, such as:
There is no right or wrong way to feel. Everyone reacts differently to a terminal prognosis. You and your loved one may also face many practical challenges, such as:
Making medical decisions and managing symptoms
Finding and paying for care and services
Dealing with legal and financial issues
Saying goodbye and resolving conflicts
Finding meaning and purpose in life
Coping with loss and bereavement
These challenges can be overwhelming and stressful. You and your loved one may need help and support from others. Here are some tips and resources that can help you and your loved one cope with a terminal prognosis:
Talk to your loved one and their healthcare team about their wishes and goals for their end-of-life care. Make sure they have an advance directive, which is a document that states what kind of care they want or do not want if they cannot speak for themselves.
Seek professional help from a hospice or palliative care team. These teams are groups of doctors, nurses, social workers, and other experts specializing in caring for people with terminal illnesses. They can provide medical, emotional, and spiritual support for you and your loved one at home or in a facility.
Join a support group or a counseling service where you can meet and talk to others in similar situations. They can offer you comfort, advice, and friendship. You can find support groups and counseling services online, by phone, or in person.
Take care of yourself and your own needs. You may feel you must prioritize your loved one and look after your health and well-being. You can do this by:
Eating well and staying hydrated
Getting enough sleep and rest
Exercising and staying active
Relaxing and doing things you enjoy
Asking for and accepting help from others
Setting boundaries and limits
Expressing your feelings and thoughts
Remember that you are not alone. Many people and organizations can help you and your loved one cope with a terminal prognosis. You can find more information and resources on these websites:
A diagnosis means that a doctor has determined a person’s illness. A doctor can make a diagnosis by performing different tests, such as blood tests, urine tests, X-rays, scans, or biopsies. A doctor can also diagnose by asking the person questions about their symptoms, medical history, and family history.
There are different types of diagnoses, such as:
A definitive diagnosis, which means that the doctor is sure about the type and cause of the illness
A probable diagnosis, which means that the doctor is almost sure about the type and cause of the illness but needs more tests or time to confirm it
A differential diagnosis means the doctor has a list of possible illnesses that could explain the person’s symptoms but needs more tests or time to rule them out.
A working diagnosis means the doctor has a tentative idea of the illness but needs more tests or time to verify it.
A diagnosis can be related to a prognosis, but they are different. A prognosis estimates how long a person will live with a terminal illness, while a diagnosis identifies what kind of illness a person has. A diagnosis can affect a prognosis but is not the only factor. Other factors, such as the person’s age, health, treatment, and lifestyle, can also affect a prognosis.
Having a diagnosis can have benefits and limitations for a person with a terminal illness and their family and caregivers. Some of the benefits are:
A diagnosis can help the person and their healthcare team choose the best treatment and care options for their condition
A diagnosis can help the person and their family and caregivers plan and prepare for the future, such as making legal, financial, and personal arrangements
A diagnosis can help the person and their family and caregivers find and access support and resources that are specific to their illness
A diagnosis can help the person and their family and caregivers cope with their emotions and thoughts, such as finding meaning, purpose, and hope in their situation
Some of the limitations are:
A diagnosis can be hard to accept and understand, especially if it is unexpected, rare, or complex
A diagnosis can be uncertain or change over time, which can cause confusion, frustration, or anxiety
A diagnosis can have negative effects on the person’s physical, mental, and social well-being, such as causing pain, fatigue, depression, isolation, or stigma
A diagnosis can have negative effects on the person’s family and caregivers, such as causing stress, burden, conflict, or grief
The role of treatment in a terminal illness depends on the person’s diagnosis, prognosis, and preferences. Treatment can have different goals, such as:
Curative treatment, which aims to cure the illness or make it go away
Life-prolonging treatment, which aims to extend the person’s life span or delay the illness from getting worse
Palliative treatment which aims to improve the person’s quality of life or relieve their symptoms and suffering
Supportive treatment, which aims to help the person cope with their physical, emotional, and spiritual needs
Treatment can have different types, such as:
Medication, which involves taking drugs or injections to treat the illness or its symptoms
Surgery, which involves removing or repairing parts of the body that are affected by the illness
Radiation, which involves using high-energy rays to kill or shrink cancer cells
Chemotherapy, which involves using strong chemicals to kill or slow down cancer cells
Immunotherapy, which involves using substances that boost the body’s immune system to fight the illness
Alternative or complementary therapy, which involves using natural or holistic methods to treat the illness or its symptoms, such as herbs, vitamins, acupuncture, or massage
Treatment can have different effects, such as:
Positive effects, which means that the treatment works well and helps the person feel better or live longer
Negative effects, which means that the treatment does not work well or causes side effects or complications, such as nausea, hair loss, infection, or bleeding
Neutral effects, which means that the treatment does not make a difference or has both positive and negative effects
Here are some tips and resources for families and caregivers to help their loved ones and themselves manage their diagnosis:
Learn as much as possible about your loved one’s diagnosis and treatment options. Ask your loved one and their healthcare team questions and write down the answers. Use reliable sources of information, such as books, websites, or organizations related to your loved one’s illness.
Respect your loved one’s choices and preferences about their diagnosis and treatment. Do not pressure or judge them for their decisions. Please help them follow their treatment plan and cope with their symptoms. Help them communicate their wishes and goals to their healthcare team and family members.
Be involved in your loved one’s care and treatment. Accompany them to their appointments and tests. Help them keep track of their medications and side effects. Assist them with their daily activities and personal care. Advocate for their rights and needs.
Seek help and support for yourself and your loved one. You do not have to do everything by yourself. Ask for and accept help from other family members, friends, neighbors, or volunteers. Use the services and programs available for people with terminal illnesses and their families and caregivers, such as home care, respite care, transportation, or meals. Join a support group or a counseling service where you can share your feelings and experiences with others who understand what you are going through.
Take care of yourself and your well-being. You cannot help your loved one if you are not well yourself. It would be best to balance your and your loved one’s needs. You can do this by:
Eating well and staying hydrated
Getting enough sleep and rest
Exercising and staying active
Relaxing and doing things you enjoy
Asking for and accepting help from others
Setting boundaries and limits
Expressing your feelings and thoughts
Remember that you and your loved one are not alone. Many people and organizations can help you and your loved one manage your diagnosis. You can find more information and resources on these websites:
An estimate of how long a person will live with a terminal illness
An identification of what kind of illness a person has
Based on the doctor’s experience and knowledge of the person’s health and illness
Based on the doctor’s tests and examinations of the person’s symptoms and medical history
This can be uncertain or change over time depending on numerous factors
This can be definitive, probable, differential, or working depending on the level of certainty
This can help the person and their family and caregivers plan and prepare for end-of-life care
This can help the person and their family and caregivers choose and manage the treatment and care options
This can cause emotional and practical challenges for the person and their family and caregivers
This can have positive, negative, or neutral effects on the person’s physical, mental, and social well-being
How to Communicate with Your Loved One and Healthcare Team
Communication is critical in end-of-life care. Communication means talking and listening to each other. When you communicate well with your loved one and their healthcare team, you can:
Understand your loved one’s condition, prognosis, and treatment options
Respect your loved one’s wishes and preferences for their end-of-life care
Support your loved one’s physical, emotional, and spiritual needs
Work together with your loved one’s healthcare team to provide the best care possible
Express your feelings, thoughts, and concerns
Cope with the stress and grief of losing your loved one
However, communication can also be very hard in end-of-life care. You and your loved one may face many barriers and difficulties, such as:
Fear of upsetting or hurting each other
Denial or avoidance of the reality of the situation
Confusion or misunderstanding of the medical information
Conflict or disagreement over the decisions or plans
Cultural or religious differences or beliefs
Emotional or physical distance or isolation
These barriers and difficulties can make communication stressful and painful. You and your loved one may not know what to say or how to say it, or you may not know what to ask or how to ask it. You and your loved one may need help and guidance to communicate better.
Here are some examples of questions to ask and topics to discuss with your loved one and their healthcare team:
Questions to ask your loved one:
How are you feeling today?
What are you worried or scared about?
What are you hoping or praying for?
What are your wishes and goals for your end-of-life care?
What are the things that are important to you or give you meaning?
Is there anything you want to say or do before you die?
How can I best support you and love you?
Questions to ask your loved one’s healthcare team:
What is my loved one’s diagnosis and prognosis?
What are the treatment options and their benefits and risks?
What are the possible outcomes and complications?
What are the signs and symptoms of the end-of-life stage?
How can we manage my loved one’s pain and discomfort?
What services and resources are available for my loved one and me?
How can I communicate with you and the rest of the healthcare team?
Topics to discuss with your loved one:
Your memories and stories of your life together
Your gratitude and appreciation for each other
Your forgiveness and apology for any mistakes or hurts
Your hopes and dreams for the future
Your beliefs and values about life and death
Your farewell and goodbye
Topics to discuss with your loved one’s healthcare team:
Your loved one’s advance directive, which is a document that states what kind of care they want or do not want if they cannot speak for themselves
Your loved one’s do-not-resuscitate (DNR) order, which is a document that states whether they want to be revived or not if their heart or breathing stops
Your loved one’s organ donation, which is a decision to donate their organs or tissues after they die
Your loved one’s funeral or memorial service, which is a ceremony to honor and remember them after they die
Your loved one’s burial or cremation, which is a way to dispose of their body after they die
Here are some tips and resources for families and caregivers to improve their communication skills and confidence:
Be honest and respectful. Tell your loved one and their healthcare team the truth, even if it is hard or painful. Listen to your loved one and their healthcare team with an open mind and heart. Do not interrupt or judge them. Try to understand their feelings and perspectives.
Be clear and concise. Use simple and direct words and sentences. Avoid using jargon or slang. Repeat or rephrase what you hear or say if necessary. Ask for clarification or confirmation if you are not sure or confused.
Be empathic and supportive. Show your loved one and their healthcare team that you care and are there for them. Use a gentle and calm tone of voice. Use eye contact and body language to express your interest and attention. Use touch and hug to express your affection and comfort.
Be assertive and proactive. Express your feelings, thoughts, and needs. Ask for what you want or need. Say no to what you do not want or need. Stand up for your rights and your loved one’s rights. Seek help and advice when you need it.
Be flexible and adaptable. Be ready to change or adjust your communication style or strategy according to the situation or the person. Be willing to compromise or negotiate when there is a conflict or a difference. Be open to new or different ideas or opinions.
Remember that communication is a skill that you can learn and improve. Many people and organizations can help you and your loved one communicate better. You can find more information and resources on these websites:
A good death means that a person dies peacefully and comfortably, with their wishes respected and their dignity preserved. It matters because it can help the person, family, and caregivers have a positive and meaningful end-of-life experience and cope with the loss and grief after the person dies.
There are different options and preferences for end-of-life care: the types of care and services a person receives in the last days, weeks, or months. Some of these options and preferences are:
Hospice care focuses on making people comfortable and relieving their pain and symptoms. It also provides emotional and spiritual support for the person, their family, and their caregivers. Hospice care can be provided at home or in a facility, such as a hospice house, a hospital, or a nursing home.
Palliative care is a type of care that aims to improve the quality of life of the person, their family, and their caregivers. It also helps the person manage their pain and symptoms and address their emotional and spiritual needs. Palliative care can be provided along with curative or life-prolonging treatment or as part of hospice care.
Advance directives state what kind of care the person wants or does not want if they cannot speak for themselves. They can include a living will, which states the person’s wishes for their medical treatment, and a health care proxy, which names a person who can make medical decisions for the person if they cannot.
To plan for a good death, the person and their family and caregivers need to consider many things, such as:
The person’s values and beliefs about life and death
The person’s goals and priorities for their end-of-life care
The person’s fears and concerns about dying and death
The person’s hopes and wishes for their legacy and memory
The person’s practical and legal matters, such as their will, their finances, and their funeral arrangements
Here are some examples of how to plan for a good death and what to consider:
The person can talk to their family and caregivers about their values and beliefs and how they affect their end-of-life care choices. For example, the person can share their views on life support, organ donation, or cremation.
The person can talk to their healthcare team about their goals and priorities and how they can be achieved. For example, the person can tell their healthcare team if they want to die at home or in a facility, if they wish to receive hospice or palliative care, or if they want to stop or continue any treatment.
The person can talk to their family and caregivers about their fears and concerns and how they can be addressed. For example, the person can express their worries about leaving their loved ones behind, about suffering or losing control, or about the unknown after death.
The person can talk to their family and caregivers about their hopes and wishes and how they can be fulfilled. For example, the person can tell their family and caregivers if they want to see or do anything before they die, say or write anything, or donate or leave anything to anyone.
The person can talk to their family and caregivers about their practical and legal matters and how they can be handled. For example, the person can tell their family and caregivers if they have a will, a lawyer, or a financial planner, if they have any debts or assets, or if they have any preferences for their funeral or memorial service.
Here are some tips and resources for families and caregivers to help their loved ones and themselves achieve a good death:
Start the conversation early and often. Do not wait until the last minute or until a crisis happens to talk to your loved one about their end-of-life care. Talk to them when they are still able to communicate and make decisions. Talk to them regularly and update their wishes and plans as their condition changes.
Respect and support your loved one’s choices and preferences. Do not try to change or influence your loved one’s decisions. Do not impose your values or beliefs on your loved one. Do not guilt or pressure your loved one to do something they do not want to do. Help your loved one follow their wishes and plans as much as possible.
Seek help and guidance from professionals and experts. Do not try to do everything by yourself. Ask for and accept help from your loved one’s healthcare team, hospice or palliative care team, social worker, counselor, clergy, or lawyer. They can provide medical, emotional, spiritual, and legal advice and support.
Take care of yourself and your well-being. You cannot help your loved one if you are not well yourself. It would help if you balanced your and your loved one’s needs. You can do this by:
Eating well and staying hydrated
Getting enough sleep and rest
Exercising and staying active
Relaxing and doing things you enjoy
Asking for and accepting help from others
Setting boundaries and limits
Expressing your feelings and thoughts
Remember that you and your loved one are not alone. Many people and organizations can help you and your loved one plan for a good death. You can find more information and resources on these websites:
In this article, we have learned about the difference between a terminal prognosis and a diagnosis and how they affect families and caregivers of people with terminal illnesses. We have also learned how to communicate with our loved ones and their healthcare team and how to plan for a good death.
The main points and takeaways of this article are:
A terminal prognosis means that a doctor thinks that a person will not live longer than six months because of their illness. A diagnosis means that a doctor has discovered a person’s illness.
A terminal prognosis and a diagnosis can have benefits and limitations for the person and their family and caregivers. They can help them understand, plan, and cope with their situation but can also cause confusion, conflict, and stress.
Communication is especially important in end-of-life care. Communication means talking and listening to each other. When we communicate well with our loved ones and their healthcare team, we can respect their wishes, support their needs, and express our feelings.
Planning for a good death means making decisions and arrangements for the end-of-life care of our loved ones and ourselves. A good death means that a person dies peacefully and comfortably, with their wishes respected and their dignity preserved.
There are different options and preferences for end-of-life care, such as hospice care, palliative care, and advance directives. We need to consider our loved ones’ values, goals, fears, and hopes, as well as our own practical and legal matters.
The key messages and recommendations for families and caregivers are:
Start the conversation early and often. Do not wait until the last minute or until a crisis happens to talk to your loved one about their end-of-life care. Talk to them when they are still able to communicate and make decisions. Talk to them regularly and update their wishes and plans as their condition changes.
Respect and support your loved one’s choices and preferences. Do not try to change or influence your loved one’s decisions. Do not impose your values or beliefs on your loved one. Do not guilt or pressure your loved one to do something they do not want to do. Help your loved one follow their wishes and plans as much as possible.
Seek help and guidance from professionals and experts. Do not try to do everything by yourself. Ask for and accept help from your loved one’s healthcare team, hospice or palliative care team, social worker, counselor, clergy, or lawyer. They can provide medical, emotional, spiritual, and legal advice and support.
Take care of yourself and your well-being. You cannot help your loved one if you are not well yourself. It would help if you balanced your and your loved one’s needs. You can do this by eating well, staying hydrated, getting enough sleep and rest, exercising, staying active, relaxing and doing things you enjoy, asking for and accepting help from others, setting boundaries and limits, and expressing your feelings and thoughts.
We know this is a hard time for you and your loved one. You are not alone. Many people and organizations can help you and your loved one cope with a terminal prognosis and a diagnosis. You can find more information and assistance on these websites:
We hope that this article has helped you understand and cope with your loved one’s terminal prognosis and diagnosis. We also hope it has helped you and your loved one have a good quality of life and a good death. Remember that you and your loved one are valuable and loved, no matter what.
