Posted on 03/11/2024 11:08:02 AM PDT by jerod
People may celebrate a 2-week improvement in survival without acknowledging costs
Tom Somerville's decision to stop medical treatment for his end-stage cancer was a personal one.
Somerville, 62, was diagnosed with colon cancer in 2021 that later spread to his liver. He had six months of chemotherapy to slow down the cancer, which he said also left him exhausted with nausea.
The Kingston, Ont., resident decided to take a break from treatment to enjoy a trip with his wife to Victoria.
"Things that you cherish change, right?" Somerville said. "I used to love being out in the bush, but now it is just nice to have a sunny day, sit with my family [and] have visitors."
Somerville said he came to terms with his prognosis and decided to enjoy the rest of the life he has left, extending the chemo break to a full stop. He said he was relieved to not "feel crappy" from the treatment anymore.
Dr. Christopher Booth, Somerville's medical oncologist at Kingston General Hospital, supports him in his decision.
Booth is also part of a group of cancer doctors in Canada and the U.S. who say medications with marginal benefits are overused for patients in the end stage of the disease. The oncologists have started a campaign through their website, journal articles and podcasts encouraging honest conversations about use of the drugs with cancer patients, their families and experts.
The goal of what they call "common-sense oncology" is to prioritize treatments that meaningfully improve survival and quality of life. They aim to address what they see as problems in the field, such as a lack of critical thinking in oncology training, falling standards for drug approvals and avoidance of end-of-life discussions...
Dr. Christopher Booth Death.
Now we just need to wait and see what the medical boards and experts determine is a ‘reasonable’ amount of time for people to be eligible for treatment… Living for 3 more weeks? 3 more months? 3 more years? Hmm… They’re the experts, I guess we’ll need to rely on their judgement.
I have faith in Big Pharma that they will not allow doctors to interfere with their revenue stream.
Do patients get to decide?
I think you are totally off base equating a patient’s refusal of end-stage cancer treatment with euthanasia.
sometimes, it’s time...
the medical system exposes us to overdoses of radiation and various poisons renamed as "medicine"
no worries the Apothecary Industry ( AKA Big Pharma ) will supply the geniuses with degrees in medicine with a cure (more poison) to "practice" on us with, totally unfettered by price controls or flat rates or any level of morality
the medical system is allowed by our government to steal our money, they can charge whatever they want with no regulation, $5,000 an hour is not uncommon for prescribing poisons
My son is fighting for his life...after battling this cancer monster for 3 years. When I saw him 3 years ago, I was certain that I would lose him. Bought he battled the monster.
His brother said he looked great when he saw him last week.
We were so hopeful after the cancer didn't show up for 18 months...Then we got the news....it's back.
We're a very close family even though we are miles apart.
He started a new treatment last week. We remain hopeful and he continues to battle the monster. He apparently thinks having his family "with him all the way" is worth it.
Generally speaking no. Unless there’s some event they’re really trying to hang on for. Spending a month puking your guts out to live 2 more weeks really isn’t that great. Most oncologists won’t seek treatment if diagnosed with stage 4, heck a lot won’t even do it diagnosed with stage 3. They know the math.
Once society accepts killing a child for the sake of "economic convenience", the sick and elderly inevitably follow.
The right to life is inalienable and thus non-negotiable, and arguments to the contrary are by definition antithetical to our Constitution and Founding.
Steve
I agree with you. Patients should be able to MAKE the decision.
The side effects of some therapies are quite devastating. And when they aren’t a true cure, should we push for longest period of suffering?
My Grandma lived to be 98. That last year was really rough. Constant respiratory and cardiac issues, her kidneys. In the hospital more often that out, until it was just the hospital. The doctors always discussing the next treatment. I was in the room when my Dad was chatting with her about treatments and I just remember her saying “I’m tired. Al’s waiting.” (Her husband that passed 20 years earlier.)
At some point you’re done. When that is, I guess it’s between you and God. I don’t think Grandma quit. She just came to terms that it was time. That time might be 98, might be 58 if those are your cards. The younger someone is the more we seem to judge, even though their outlook perhaps is none the better.
Yes. They do.
What would happen is you would need to find a doctor who would treat you the way you want. There is no sense in an Oncologist who treats with chemotherapy spending the time and effort to treat someone who doesn’t agree with his course.
For people who get cancer that requires this kind of treatment, this is one of the first conversations you have.
It is insanity to blow your lifesavings on treatments that will only extend you life by weeks and you will be absolutely miserable the entire time.
My money, my body, my values.
The Doctor is there to “advise,” and spell out (((ALL))) the options with their possible benefits and drawbacks.
***If he thinks it’s his job to push some philosophy, some cost benefit analysis according to his ideas, then he’s in the wrong profession, or in a country with a socialized health care system.***
I would not want this turd touching me or my family.
Good luck with your Son.
With tightly knit families, everyone is riding that rollercoaster of experiences with the patient, even those living far away.
It’s just terrible to be so helpless. He’ll be 59 next month.
“ What would happen is you would need to find a doctor who would treat you the way you want. ”
In Canada. With communi…er socialized medicine
Do you have an MD in the U.S. that does what you want?
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