ABSTRACT

After the diagnosis of a severe or life-threatening illness, people face the daunting task of dealing with daily stress and uncertainty, reorganizing their life and relationships, and moving on to find happiness in a changed and sometimes more physically limited life. Over time, they must work to maintain or rebuild their self-confidence and self-worth, their relationships, and find purpose, peace, and happiness in day-to-day life. Relationships with family and friends can change dramatically during illness. However, there is no time in life when close relationships are more important, as they provide the physical and emotional support that sustains people through critical illness. In his book, Reynolds Price wrote extensively about the unselfish and unfailing support of his friends. Adjustment to the new realities of life with illness takes time, but time moves excruciatingly slowly after the diagnosis of serious illness and during treatment. Hope is the force that keeps people moving forward during illness.