How To Consider End Of Life Matters When Battling Cancer
How do I consider end-of-life matters when I'm battling cancer?
End-of-life care is never easy to talk about, which is exactly why we should talk about it. And, I became an Oncologist not so much because I hate cancer but because I love cancer patients. And, you have people around you that love you very much. Now, death, as far as I can tell, is universal. But a cancer patient may see it coming. And that's poignant. I think the best way to discuss end-of-life issues is to bring other people into the discussion that matter to you. Second, don't be afraid. You have rights, you have dignity that needs to be communicated while you can. I tell some of my patients, who may be near the end of their fight that I would rather talk about it in the calm of the office, when they're in full possession of their faculties, than in the middle of the night by the bedside in the middle of a crisis. Some of the things that matter in the end-of-life is how far do you want to go? There are practical concerns such as a "do not resuscitate" order. There are practical concerns about if the therapy is no longer working, do you want to pursue experimental treatment? Do you want to be hospitalized? Would you rather be at home? At all times, the priority will be to respect comfort and dignity. I'm afraid that end-of-life, even in oncology, is the 800 pound gorilla in the living room that we just don't want to talk about. But, because it's a universal experience, it deserves discussion. So, don't be afraid to talk about it. Bring the most important people of your life into the discussion, and if your doctor's not willing to bring it up, bring it up yourself.
