ABSTRACT
This chapter is about the author's experience as the Whites' therapist during the last year of Mary's life. It is specifically about the author's self-disclosure and tears as the author helped a couple say goodbye to each other. The chapter discusses the relationship between cancer and emotions, individually and within the family, and then describes aspects of psychotherapy unique to working with cancer patients and patients at the end of their life. The relationship between cancer and emotions has been studied extensively. Studies that look at the effectiveness of therapy with cancer patients often cite improved quality of life and/or reduced emotional distress, depression, anxiety, or even pain. Some researchers have demonstrated that psychotherapy not only improves quality of life but extends it as well. Although Dick was uncomfortable with direct expression of feelings, he clearly loved his wife and family. The music was there even if the words were not.
