Love Is a Journey: Couples Facing Cancer Book

Chapter 1	The Map of the Journey	1
Chapter 2	Tools for the Journey	7
Tool 1	Acceptance	8
Tool 2	Awareness of Style	10
Tool 3	Self-Care	13
	The Spouse	13
	The Patient	15
	The Relationship	18
Tool 4	Reshaping the Relationship to Fit the Situation	22
Tool 5	Open Honest Talking with Yourself (and with Each Other)	26
Tool 6	Seeking and Receiving Support	31
	Non-professional Support	32
	Professional Support	34
Tool 7	Spirituality	35
Tool 8	Laughter	37
	Activities: Chapter 2	39
	One Day at a Time Cards	43
Chapter 3	The News	45
	Threat of Loss	45
	Pull Away Versus Cling	46
	Balance	48
	So Much to Learn and Understand	48
	Cultural Avoidance of Illness	50
	Activities: Chapter 3	51
Chapter 4	Team Rally	55
	Emotions	56
	Activity	57
	Getting Tired	58
	When a Couple Is Not a Team	60
	Previous conflict	60
	Overwhelming Distress	62
	Activities: Chapter 4	64
Chapter 5	Marathon and Sledgehammers	67
	Marathon	68
	Stamina and Pacing	68
	Normal Life Events	70
	Sexual Intimacy	72
	Sledgehammers	77
	Talking	80
	Relationship Accommodations	81
	Activities: Chapter 5	82
Chapter 6	Life Threat	87
	Activities: Chapter 6	91
Chapter 7	Destination: Death	95
	Relationship Intimacy	96
	Patient and Caregiver Roles	97
	Preparing for the Spouse's Future	98
	Support	99
	Activities: Chapter 7	100
Chapter 8	Destination: Life, Cure, Remission	103
	Is it Really Over? Is it Really Gone?	103
	What Now? How do we Live Now?	105
	Different Paths	107
	Activities: Chapter 8	108
	Epilogue	113
	Resources	115
	Recommended Reading	119
	About the Authors	123
	Couples Facing Cancer: Support Groups and Seminars	125