This article is co-authored by a patient with colon cancer and his treating oncologist, who interact at two different levels: the instrumental and the emotional and affective one. The patient relates in detail his personal experiences struggling with cancer, including his fears, expectations, purposes, and attitudes through the most important events in the evolution of his illness. The professional reflects how patient-based communication and shared decision-making impact on quality of life and coping with cancer.
Keywords: Cancer; Coping; Patient experience; Quality of life; Shared decision-making.