MSI Press Blog

When facing advanced cancer, one of the most profound decisions patients and families encounter is whether to continue aggressive treatment or transition to hospice care. This decision is deeply personal, influenced by medical circumstances, values, and personal preferences. Today, I'd like to explore the considerations that might guide this difficult choice. Continuing Active Treatment: When It May Be Right Potential benefits of continuing active treatment: New treatments and clinical trials may offer hope, particularly for cancers with emerging therapies Some aggressive treatments can extend life meaningfully for certain patients Continuing treatment aligns with the desire to "fight" that many patients feel For some, pursuing all possible options provides peace of mind that everything was tried Considerations to keep in mind: Treatment side effects may significantly impact quality of life Time spent in treatment and recovery means less time with loved ones Some ...

  Carl was not at risk for cancer. We did nothing to prepare. The thought never crossed our mind that we should do something. Then, it hit: a fall, a diagnosis, and five months left to live. It would have been so helpful to have had many things settled in advance that we had to decide on the spur of the moment -- and not necessarily well.  Cancer doesn't send a warning letter. It arrives without invitation, disrupting lives and leaving little room for thoughtful planning. While we hope to never face this diagnosis, the reality is sobering: nearly 40% of Americans will develop cancer in their lifetime. This prevalence suggests that preparing—even when healthy—is not pessimistic but prudent. When cancer strikes, the whirlwind of doctor appointments, treatment decisions, and emotional processing consumes every available moment. There's rarely time to suddenly improve your nutritional habits, establish an exercise routine, or arrange complex financial and legal affairs. The founda...

  I never imagined that the end of such relentless days could feel like both a surrender and a liberation. For months, my world had been a blur of urgent calls, sleepless nights, and a relentless schedule—caring for adult disabled children living at home and independently but in need of support, running a business, and tending to Carl’s ever-growing needs as he battled cancer of unknown primary (CUP). Each day was a race against time: rushing to change his diapers, lifting him from his chair to the bed in the hoyer, and dashing to the pharmacy at a minute’s notice when a new symptom flared up. The demands were ceaseless, and the emotional toll was immeasurable. When Carl finally passed, I expected to grieve. Instead, I found myself caught in an unexpected and painful paradox: relief. There was an undeniable sense of release, a pause to the endless treadmill of caregiving that had consumed every waking moment of my life and more often than not, half of my night, with sleep deprivati...

Receiving a cancer diagnosis is life-altering. It’s natural to feel overwhelmed, scared, and uncertain about the road ahead. While every journey is unique, there are several immediate steps you can take to prepare for the challenges and decisions that lie ahead. Here are some key actions to consider: 1. Understand Your Diagnosis Knowledge is power. Make sure you fully understand your diagnosis, including the type of cancer, stage, and potential treatment options. Ask your doctor questions such as: What type of cancer do I have? What stage is it, and what does that mean for my treatment? What treatment options are available to me? What are the potential side effects and risks? What is the expected timeline for treatment? Consider bringing a trusted friend or family member to appointments to help take notes and ask additional questions. 2. Find the Right Medical Team Choosing the right oncologist and medical team is crucial. Seek second opinions if necessary and look for a hospital or tr...