Posted on 01/01/2015 1:07:49 PM PST by the scotsman
'Cancer is the best way to die, according to a former editor of The British Medical Journal.
Richard Smith, who is chairman of the board of directors of medical smartphone app Patients Know Best, believes the opportunity to reflect on life before it ends is important.
In an article published in The BMJ, the 62-year-old wrote that while most people tell him they would prefer a sudden death, he thinks that is very hard on the families of the deceased.'
(Excerpt) Read more at itv.com ...
As a cancer survivor, I will tell this, ahem, “esteemed personage of the British medical society”, that there is a woodshed with his name upon it, calling for his attention.
Please tell us some more of your wisdom Ol'Master.
Ed
I suspect that if you wait until you’re dying of something specific to reflect on your life, you’re probably a little behind. Me, I reflect on my life every day. I’ll be ready to go when my virtuous acts make up for the sins I’ve committed. In short, about 500 years from now.
I am sure my brother-in-law who has end stage prostate to bone cancer, would love to reflect on his life, IF he could just get past the moment to moment pain, while trying to live.
That’s what killed my Dad and the last 6 months were really awful. It’s a bad way to go.
That is totally true in this country. You *must* have an advocate if/when you are in the hospital.
The only person who does not need an advocate is a very rich single man. He will get so many sponge baths he’ll get chapped skin.
I am betting you didn't really see them the last week or two.
You do understand I was referring to coming off of the dance floor and having a life ending heart attack?
Not to cancer in any form or time of the disease.
No, I didn’t understand that.
I agree. If you have to go, a heart attack is preferable. Not so easy on those left behind.
Nope. I would make one minor modification to your scenario.
The best way is to climb out the window and escape from the angry husbands only to be hit and killed by a drunk liberal billionaire driving a Rolls-Royce.
When i shit the bed, i hope it will be quick. Cancer sucks.
I am really sorry the passing of your father was so distressful. It did not have to be that way. Somewhere between symptoms and diagnosis a decision was tacitly made and agreed to by you, your father, and the doctor to prolong his life at all costs. You have to ask yourself if that memory of those months of agonized life was worth the extra months of life. It is understandable why you made that decision you did as you only had one chance to get it right, with little if any input and help from the medical professions. I am sure if you had to do it again a hospice with a dignified death would have been your choice. I say this with the greatest compassion and empathy, not only for your but also others who have faced a horrible end to a good life.
I was born screaming and covered in another's blood, I expect to go out the same way.
What do you know of 'dignified death?' Have you seen it? Has a member of your family had a 'dignified death?' Tell me? I'd really like to know the fricken difference between Death and 'dignified death'.
Otherwise just STFU as you have no idea what the hell you're talking about. And you're only repeating the bullshit line of the MSM.
Ed
Just saw this up close and personal, my long-time flying buddy died of this. At home. Surrounded by friends and family. In no pain. Your family made a different decision. Difficult circumstances require difficult decisions and outcomes are sometimes not what we expect. A minister is your friend.
I feel your pain and your need to lash out. It is what it is.
And my conversations with you are done.
Ed
Full headline: 'Stop wasting billions trying to cure cancer, it's the best way to die,' says former BMJ (British Medical Journal) editor
Happy New Year! And God help us all.
(Thanks for the ping, es123409.)
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We never had a conversation. I’ll accept your apology when you are ready.
When cancer took my father, an acquaintance commented that she wished her own father had died from cancer instead of a sudden heart attack. Her dad had died suddenly after saying something in anger. She actually sounded bitter, as she assumed cancer had permitted my father to die peacefully.
I didn’t want to tell her right then that the comment her father made before dying was nothing more than a curt remark, whereas sometimes a loved one fighting cancer becomes very angry and/or confused. All we can do is remember the good times, not dwell on the final words a person might make. I hope that acquaintance eventually made peace with the way her parent passed on.
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