Introduction

This book tells the story of Nell M. and the author, her therapist, as they encounter mortal time. When Nell was diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer, she sought counseling because she wasn’t dying soon enough. The text consists of a compilation of 12 illness narratives in conversation with the author. Nell was disappointed that her breast cancer would not prevent her from seeing her husband deteriorate due to Alzheimer’s disease. She had hoped breast cancer would give her an easy exit. Her journey was guided by conversation in psychotherapy, a circle of family and friends, as well as her spiritual community, where she gained strength and sustenance. The narratives include commentary and reflections by the author/therapist as well as a section on coping with three important areas of a patient’s life: the disease of cancer and treatment-related symptoms, personal and professional relationships, and intrusive thoughts and troubling feelings. The therapeutic approach is supportive-expressive counseling with deep empathic listening and compassionate responding at its core. The dialogues include poetry readings and use of music, both comforting elements that inform the art of dying.