[Follow-up of the cancer patient, maintaining self-identity]

The individual facing the diagnosis of cancer is subjected to abrupt changes with regard to his inner world, his life, habits and social relationships. The patient's capacity to cope, to integrate changes in the way of living and to face the future is determined by his personal resources. However, psychological support may also be an important mean to search for and find sense to the singular experience of the illness. The narrative reconstruction within a supportive setting provides the patient a possibility to recognise his pain as an integral part of himself. A life narrative, which integrates the illness, allows the patient to re-appropriate his history again. Such a therapeutic project necessitates from the therapist a psychological and temporal availability and a capacity to create links all along the different stages of the disease.