Terminal Diagnosis: What to Do with the Time Remaining

Terminal Illness: What would you do with the time left?

The diagnosis of an incurable disease places anyone before an inevitable question: what to do with the remaining time? Responses range from extreme hedonism to the most serene spirituality, but all share a common root: confronting one's own mortality.

The news of someone who, after receiving a terminal diagnosis, chose to spend everything and live without restraint has sparked a debate on how to face death. Even in the most casual conversations, the question resonates: what would we do?

The Two Reactions: Recklessness vs. Serenity

Some imagine a final explosion of pleasures: travel, sports cars, parties, excess. Others prefer to organize their affairs, say goodbye to loved ones, and find peace. Between these two extremes, most choose a middle ground: not making radical changes, but prioritizing what is essential—being with loved ones, settling legal matters, and sometimes finding a place for reflection.

Some maintain that the initial shock is overcome, and with time, one realizes that excesses are empty. The most common reflection is that when reality sets in, what matters are the bonds and the farewells.

False Diagnoses: The Case of John Brandrick

An anecdote that circulates is that of John Brandrick, a 62-year-old Briton who was diagnosed with terminal cancer in 2007 and given six months to live. He abandoned his job, stopped paying the mortgage, and spent all his savings on experiences. But he did not die: the diagnosis was mistaken. Brandrick sued the doctor, although the outcome is unknown.

Another similar case involves a Greek resident in the United States who received the same news, went to Greece to die, and also did not pass away. These examples raise doubt: what if the diagnosis was wrong? However, as some point out, these scenarios are exceptional: 99.99% of terminal diagnoses are accurate.

Accepting Mortality: We Are All Terminal

A recurring idea is that we are all born with a terminal illness called life; we just don't know the date. From this perspective, the question is not what we would do upon receiving the news, but why we don't do it already. Some confess that faced with a diagnosis, they would continue doing the same as always because they have nothing to lose. Others believe that true freedom is only attained at the edge of death.

The ultimate reflection is that the diagnosis should not transform our lives, but reveal what truly matters. Perhaps the answer lies neither in excess nor resignation, but in a lucid awareness that every day is an unguaranteed gift.