The Sword of Damocles Life

David Mills describes the experience of living with a spouse facing terminal cancer as the Sword of Damocles Life. Writing for Commonweal, Mills explains that his wife, Hope, has lived for nine years following the return of her breast cancer, which spread to her bones and brain.

Mills uses this metaphor to characterize the slow decline of chronic terminal illness. He notes that while the threat of death is constant, it is not a constant assault, allowing life to continue almost as usual between medical crises. He compares the experience to a low-grade migraine that becomes a background part of daily existence. This perspective helped him cope with the irregularity of their lives and helped others understand their situation.