Making decisions and plans

Also in this section:

• Getting support >
• Physical support > 
• Other drug treatments >
• Spiritual support >
• Complementary therapies >
• Managing your lifestyle > 
• Benefits and government support > 
• You and your partner >

There may or will be decisions that you will need to make about the end of your life. This section will provide information on how you can start to plan and what sort of things you might want to think about.

Treatment plans and priorities

The treatments you want now may be different to the treatments you would choose if you become more ill. It can be helpful to plan your care with your medical team and your carer. There may come a point when you don’t want any more treatment, or there may be certain procedures you would not wish to have. Although this can be a painful process, some women actually find it very therapeutic to make plans when they are well enough. Making sure your wishes are met is part of Advance Care Planning, which means you will discuss what you want with your health care team and your decisions will be documented.

Marie Curie have a lot of detailed information about Advanced Care Planning and looking at your options. You can find out more on their webiste. You can also discuss this with your health care team. 

‘Putting your house in order’

At the moment you may be making decisions about different aspects of your life. You may also want to think about organising your personal affairs. This can include thinking about practical issues, such as:

• Your own or any joint bank account(s)
• Mortgage or rent
• What sort of funeral you would prefer
• What might happen to your treasured possessions (your estate). 

Sometimes when people die, family and friends aren’t aware what that person really wanted, but organising this side of things can ensure you live on in people’s hearts and minds in the way you wish.

In the next section we will give you a starting point and suggestions of how you can do this. There will also be links of other organisations that can help you further. This can be a painful and difficult process, so do ask for help and emotional support from your family and friends if you need it.

Topics in the next section include:

• Documenting your wishes 
• Power of attorney 
• Making a will
• Other things to think about.

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