ABSTRACT
This last phase of the clinical course of cancer is a time marked by important decision making regarding additional treatment, palliative care, and the appropriate setting for that care. In addition, cancer pain, which has been closely associated with increased psychiatric symptomatology (Breitbart, Passik, & Rosenfeld, 1994), and cancer symptom control must each be carefully monitored and treated. During the terminal illness phase, the family must begin to “live just in case” by preparing advanced directives (Emanuel, 1998), preparing for the dying process and death, and preparing for life without a cherished family member (Babcock, 1997).
