Planning ahead with secondary breast cancer

End of life considerations

Taking a moment to plan

Many people take the time during or after their treatment to plan ahead. This is called advance care planning. There are a few ways you can plan ahead with secondary breast cancer and several legal documents you can use too. Your healthcare team will have more information about these.

It's a good idea to plan ahead while you are still well enough to do so. Writing down your preferences and wishes is a good place to start. Below are a few things you can begin thinking about:
 

• How would you like to be cared for when you become less well?
• Where would you like to be when you are approaching the end of your life?
• Who do you want looking after your affairs when you're no longer able to?

It can also be beneficial to appoint somebody who could make decisions on your behalf, if you find you're unable to. This is called a power of attorney, and they can make decisions about your property and finances, or your health and welfare.

You can talk about advance care planning with your GP, specialist doctor or nurse, or palliative care team. It can also be helpful to speak with family and friends, or patient support groups to gather advice.

You are not alone

Meet other patients making their moments count

Each person living with breast cancer has a unique story to tell. Sometimes, the stories we read in the news or online do not reflect the journey many people living with primary or secondary breast cancer have experienced.

The Moments That Count breast cancer campaign hopes to raise awareness of what it's truly like to live with this disease and features contributions from some inspirational women with breast cancer who have shared their very own moments that count from their journeys.