Finally, the stage of resolution is reached. This may occur if your cancer is cured and you are able to accept this fact and put the experience behind you. It may also occur when you realize that cure is not possible.
If your cancer cannot be cured, this stage is not necessarily associated with a sudden dismal change in attitude or depression, although certainly your spirits and emotions may be at a low ebb.
Having known for months or years that some day this time might come, someone who has been dealing productively with his or her illness will have spent time getting renewed enjoyment from life in whatever way possible, perfecting relationships with significant people and sorting through the things in life that are important.
You may have discovered the meaning of life in general and of your life in particular. In some cases, there may even be relief that the long-awaited catastrophe need no longer be feared in the abstract but can be dealt with directly.
You have worked through the complex and progressive emotions that the illness created in you as well as in the lives of those you love. You know that everything possible has been done and are comforted by the fact that you have gained additional time and meaning. You know that if there is to be a brief period of ending that it will be made as comfortable and as free of suffering as possible. This may mean aggressive medical treatment to relieve symptoms, hospice care when appropriate or the cessation of active anticancer treatment if that is appropriate.
