A sudden heart attack, a diagnosis of breast cancer, a positive test result for HIV – Living with Life-Threatening Illness helps patients, their families, and caregivers find the support they need for dealing with one of life’s most difficult and challenging experiences. Written by Kenneth J. Doka – an expert in the field of death and dying and an ordained minister – the book maps out practical guidelines for creating a plan of action that will help with understanding the disease, knowing when to seek medical help, choosing the best treatment, negotiating with caregivers for mutual satisfaction, and maintaining self-esteem while the body is experiencing intense physical changes.