Taking Time

Support for People With Cancer
and the People Who Care About Them

National Institutes of Health
National Cancer Institue


Look to this day
For it is life
The very life of life.
In its brief course lie all
The realities and verities of existence
The bliss of growth
The splendor of action
The glory of power

For yesterday is but a dream
And tomorrow is only a vision.
But today, well lived
Makes every yesterday a dream of happiness
And every tomorrow a vision of hope.

Look well, therefore, to this day.


Sanskrit Proverb



This guide is dedicated to the many people with cancer and their family members whose letters, thoughts, and perceptive comments provided the basis for it. They shared with us their insights into the special problems people with cancer face and the ways in which they have found the courage to cope with them. It could not have been published without exceptional editorial and clerical assistance from several people as well. Our heartfelt thanks go to everyone involved.

Each section begins with a brief summary of the main points. You may want to review the summaries first and then read entire section as you feel ready.

Note: Today many of us find ourselves far from family ties. A circle of close and loving friends may act as "substitute family" for our blood relatives. If this is true for you, think of these friends when the book refers to family members and think about sharing the book with them.


1. Introduction

2. Sharing the Diagnosis

3. Sharing Feelings

4. Coping Within the Family

5. When You Need Assistance

6. Selves and Self-Images

7. The World Outside

8. Living Each Day

9. The Years After

10. Resources


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