Many people find that, when they are told that they will not recover from their cancer, they are overcome by thoughts of all the things they still want to do and unfinished business that they need to sort out. The most important advice at this stage is to go ahead and do all the things that you are able to do. If you really want to do something, then do it and enjoy it now!

When you have advanced cancer, you usually have some warning of when you will die, as cancer generally develops slowly. However, death may be sudden, as it may at any other time of life. So, it can be a good idea to get your affairs in order to give yourself peace of mind.

Making a will

It is important to make a will. It is not morbid to be concerned about what will happen to your possessions after your death, nor will it make your death happen more quickly. It is a thoughtful and effective way of taking care of the people you love and it will spare them painful decisions, bureaucratic hassles and financial hardship which may occur if you do not make your wishes clear.

Enduring power of attorney

A will takes effect after your death. It is also possible to appoint someone to take care of your affairs on your behalf if you become unable to do so. This is known as an ‘enduring power of attorney’. The attorney is usually a relative or solicitor and has the authority to deal with your affairs. They can be appointed to act for you permanently, or under certain circumstances (such as if you had temporary or permanent physical or mental disablement or while you are absent abroad).