What legal issues do I need to discuss with my family

When you've been diagnosed with cancer, you first want to concentrate on getting better and coping with your treatment. But it's a good idea to make some important decisions with your family and with your doctor while you're still feeling well. You may want to talk with your family, your doctor, a social worker from a local hospital and/or a legal advisor about the kind of care you'd like to receive if you get very sick or become terminally ill. (Being terminally ill generally means that you have only a few weeks or months to live.)

An advance directive is a legal document that describes the kind of treatment you would want depending on how sick you are. Advance directives usually tell your doctor that you don't want certain types of life-saving treatment. However, they can also say that you do want a certain treatment no matter how ill you are.

A durable power of attorney (DPA) for health care is one kind of advance directive. A DPA names a trusted individual who will make health care decisions for you. A DPA becomes active any time you are unconscious or unable to make medical decisions for yourself.

A do not resuscitate (DNR) order is another kind of advance directive. A DNR is a request not to be given cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) if your heart stops or if you stop breathing. (Unless they're given other instructions, hospital staff will try to help all patients whose heart has stopped or who have stopped breathing.) Most people who die in a hospital have had a DNR order written for them.

Advance directives do not have to be complicated legal documents. Your doctor may be able to provide a simple form for you to fill out. There are also some computer software packages that offer legal forms. Remember, anything you write by yourself or using a software package should follow the laws in your state. Have the documents notarized, if possible, and give copies to your family and your doctor