Advance Care Planning

Advance Care Planning (ACP) is an ongoing process that helps you understand your healthcare options and express your preferences. It empowers you to have a say in your future medical care and provides guidance for your medical team should you become unable to communicate. Making these decisions now allows you and your loved ones to focus on quality of life and peace of mind.

Our compassionate counselors will guide you through a thoughtful process to clarify your values, goals, and wishes for care. This includes:

• Reflecting on what matters most to you for a good quality of life
• Learning about different treatment options and how to communicate your goals
• Discussing life-sustaining treatments and your feelings about them
• Choosing a Healthcare Proxy or Surrogate—someone you trust to speak for you
• Putting your wishes into writing through legal documentation
• Exploring your personal values and care goals

Before meeting with an EPCC social worker, it’s helpful to reflect on your values and wishes. Consider questions like:

• What is your understanding of your illness?
• How much do you want to know about your health, and how would you like to receive information?
• What fears or worries do you have?
• Who supports you, and how much do they know about your wishes?
• If you haven’t named a decision maker, who would step in if you’re unconscious or confused?
• What brings you joy and contributes to your quality of life?
• What are your goals for the coming months?

You may also want to think about areas such as:

• Independence and activity level
• Nutrition and sleep
• Sexuality and intimacy
• Spirituality and faith
• Pain management
• Communication with your healthcare team
• Relationships with loved ones
• End-of-life preferences

Why Is This Important?

Even if your health is currently good, discussing your wishes is essential. It ensures your loved ones and healthcare providers understand your values and preferences, preventing unnecessary distress during difficult times. Ongoing conversations and documented wishes serve both as a meaningful gift and a protective measure for you and those you care about.

Reflect on these questions to further inform your plan:

• What would your approach be if you became too weak to get out of bed?
• If at the end of life, you couldn’t improve, would you want life-sustaining machines or prefer comfort and natural death? Are there treatments you would refuse?
• Where would you prefer to receive end-of-life care—at home, in the hospital, or elsewhere?

Your Care Team Supports You

Advance care planning is a standard and important part of your treatment journey, even if your cancer is highly treatable. Knowing that your care team is aware of your wishes offers peace of mind, and it takes the burden off your loved ones during challenging times.

Remember, discussing and documenting your wishes is a caring act—one that respects your dignity and ensures your voice is heard, now and in the future.