Free Republic

As an oncologist I frequently deal with the terminal care of patients and with end of life situations, and these are invariably complicated by the potential availability of medical interventions that can prolong life indefinitely. Such cases need to be individualized.  They are never easy, are invariably wrenching and take their emotional toll on everyone –patients, relatives, loved ones and myself. But in such difficult situations with enough thought and concern and empathetic communication between the patient, their relatives and the hospital or hospice staff, a course of action that is decent, humane and compassionate usually can be reached for...