Death With Dignity

I live in Oregon and before my mother went through a terminal illness two and half years ago, I was stead fast against my state's suicide law. But that's before watching my mother die a slow painful death. It was unbearable for everyone, especially my mother. She did not choose to take her own life. Instead she chose to fight to the very last day, which showed me her strength and character that I look back on with pride to this day. Ultimately I would say our faith prevented this option, but I would be lying if her ending her life on her terms was not at least thought about. My only point is that if someone has never endured a situation like this with a close loved one, they might want to wait to pass judgement on decisions that are made.
 
I saw that. It's a scary thing to end your life and if she's well enough to be okay with how she's living, then I say live on. It does bother me that folks are giving her crap now that she is rethinking things a bit. It's literally a life and death decision. I hope she finds peace no matter what she does.
It's an almost impossible decision. She needs to be "well enough" to make the decision, but if she waits too long, a seizure could incapacitate her and lead to the exact thing she is trying to avoid.
 
I'm happy for her she feels well enough to make the most out of each day, and she's still able to enjoy the time with her family and friends. I hope she's not bothered too much about what other people think and say.
 
I'd be rethinking it too. Imagine waking up knowing that your life is going to end in a day or 2. You can do everything you want to be prepared and to prepare others, but man that has to be a scary thing.
 
I'd be rethinking it too. Imagine waking up knowing that your life is going to end in a day or 2. You can do everything you want to be prepared and to prepare others, but man that has to be a scary thing.
Yeah, that decision gets harder and harder the closer it gets. A very tough position to be in for sure.
 
I live in Oregon and before my mother went through a terminal illness two and half years ago, I was stead fast against my state's suicide law. But that's before watching my mother die a slow painful death. It was unbearable for everyone, especially my mother. She did not choose to take her own life. Instead she chose to fight to the very last day, which showed me her strength and character that I look back on with pride to this day. Ultimately I would say our faith prevented this option, but I would be lying if her ending her life on her terms was not at least thought about. My only point is that if someone has never endured a situation like this with a close loved one, they might want to wait to pass judgement on decisions that are made.

EXACTLY
 
I recently sat with my dad earlier this year, cancer treatments (failed), and discussed his end of life wishes. Then I went to his doctors and got 'medical' opinions on the whole situation. So I totally supported his choice, and assisted with getting affairs in order. Got him some "extra" drugs and took him to Vegas. In the end, even with the "comfort drugs" there comes a time when it is not the person you know. Better he went out with casino money in pocket, than suffering with endless treatments that were not going to work other than making him sicker & sicker.. Didn't make me Mr. Popularity with some family members, that think it's all about them wanting more time.


So in a nutshell, when the doctors say it's over & the person has comes to terms that there is nothing more to do, let them go out with dignity and NO pain.
 
I live in Oregon and before my mother went through a terminal illness two and half years ago, I was stead fast against my state's suicide law. But that's before watching my mother die a slow painful death. It was unbearable for everyone, especially my mother. She did not choose to take her own life. Instead she chose to fight to the very last day, which showed me her strength and character that I look back on with pride to this day. Ultimately I would say our faith prevented this option, but I would be lying if her ending her life on her terms was not at least thought about. My only point is that if someone has never endured a situation like this with a close loved one, they might want to wait to pass judgement on decisions that are made.

I watched my grandmother go through the same type of thing. It was awful, esp the final month.
 
This hits home to me and especially my wife who has ALS which is a terminal illness. She's 30 years old but we live on day to day enjoying each other and loving each other. When it's time to die it'll be right on time and that goes for everyone who is living. Nothing is by coincidence. Life isn't promised to anyone but my wife and me have a lot to be grateful for. I know God has a plan and it's greater than my own understanding but I'm not dwelling on the bad. Sure it gets rough for her but I'm glad I was put in her life to not only love her but to take care of her. I hope for this womans sake she stay's out of the media spotlight and spends more time with her friends and family. This life is very temporary.
 
I live in Oregon and before my mother went through a terminal illness two and half years ago, I was stead fast against my state's suicide law. But that's before watching my mother die a slow painful death. It was unbearable for everyone, especially my mother. She did not choose to take her own life. Instead she chose to fight to the very last day, which showed me her strength and character that I look back on with pride to this day. Ultimately I would say our faith prevented this option, but I would be lying if her ending her life on her terms was not at least thought about. My only point is that if someone has never endured a situation like this with a close loved one, they might want to wait to pass judgement on decisions that are made.
Thumbs up to this post. My outlook on the issue isn't what it was prior to having my mom succumb to the very form of cancer this young lady is battling. Sorry about your mom. May she RIP.
 
May she RIP.
 
Whoever is the moderator can do whatever they'd like. Just thought I'd post the outcome. Wasn't trying to bother anyone.
 
U didn't have to delete your comment sir. Opinions are welcome.
 
RIP. It was good that she could go out on her own terms.
 
RIP Brittany. May her family find peace through their grieving process.
 
RIP Brittany. My thoughts are with her family.
 
I had lunch yesterday with a good friend who's father passed away just over a week ago.

We were discussing the "end", and he told me that the doctors had explained how his Dad was having difficulty breathing, and that at some point he would just stop. Everyone was in the room, and his Dad had several "false alarms", where it appeared like he had stopped breathing and then would take a breath after a short delay. My friend wanted to leave but his wife told him he needed to be there for the final moment. My point is the comment he made when it was all said and done; he said he felt like they were "vultures on a wire waiting for the moment to pounce". It was not enjoyable whatsoever.

IMO, there are many stories of family members whose last memories of a loved one are of a body/mind/etc. that has "wasted away" due to the ravages of a disease. I believe these people deserve a better memory, and if the sick person wants to spare them the pain and anguish I believe that should be their decision. We all know that life is a one-way journey.
 
I'm not going to judge her but I don't think I would do it. Doctors are wrong ALL the time.
I have seen many people told they have a few months to live. Some of them lived for several more years and some are still alive today...
 
In the end it's really their choice isn't it? Is it really any of my business if someone makes a decision to end their life either before or during an illness that is slowly killing or debilitating them and the ultimate outcome is going to be suffering and death??

I think one of the biggest issues with the whole thing is that personal opinions and beliefs are trying to dictate the life of another's, and to judge a dying person's final wishes is pretty brutal to me. Our Government needs to stay out of our homes and should have no say in our final moments unless the goal of the dying person is to physically harm others.
 
In the end it's really their choice isn't it? Is it really any of my business if someone makes a decision to end their life either before or during an illness that is slowly killing or debilitating them and the ultimate outcome is going to be suffering and death??

I think one of the biggest issues with the whole thing is that personal opinions and beliefs are trying to dictate the life of another's, and to judge a dying person's final wishes is pretty brutal to me. Our Government needs to stay out of our homes and should have no say in our final moments unless the goal of the dying person is to physically harm others.

This is stated perfectly for me as well, Trout is wise.
 
well said Trout, RIP Brittany
 
Barber you are right Doctors are wrong about this subject often, but there are certain diseases and points if catching a disease there is no curing it.

I watched my grandfather suffer through radiation on 3 separate occasions and each time it took more and more of his happiness away and brought on more pain and suffering. His last couple years between the radiation and his MS he struggled to walk from the house to his truck, his last yr he could barely get around the house without being exhausted by the time he reached the bathroom. He spent his last 3 months in a nursing home and missed my wedding because he couldn't travel. The way he withered away in pain and suffering daily is no way to spend your last yrs.

I watched my grandmother suffer for a yr as aggressive non treatable tumors ravished her body and put her in the hospital for her final three weeks or so. I had to help her use the bathroom and clean herself up during that time and watched the pain in her eyes as she struggled to move and breathe. This is not the way you should go when there is another option and you've made peace with yourself and family.

I also watched a friend of my wife's go from a beautiful loving mother to a woman riddled with cancer in agonizing pain who didn't know her own young children and who became hateful as her brain and the rest of her body was taken over by cancer. Her children watched their mother become something far from what she truly was but it's what they'll remember their mother as.

I believe that if you've been a diagnosis that is terminal and will lead to days, weeks, months of suffering then you should have the option to go as you so choose. I for one do not wish to fade away or suffer needlessly when my time comes because a bunch of self righteous people believe they know what's best for me.
 
I'm not saying she shouldn't have the option. Just stating that I don't think I would do it.
I'm an optimist and always think there's a chance.
 
In the end it's really their choice isn't it? Is it really any of my business if someone makes a decision to end their life either before or during an illness that is slowly killing or debilitating them and the ultimate outcome is going to be suffering and death??

I think one of the biggest issues with the whole thing is that personal opinions and beliefs are trying to dictate the life of another's, and to judge a dying person's final wishes is pretty brutal to me. Our Government needs to stay out of our homes and should have no say in our final moments unless the goal of the dying person is to physically harm others.

The ironic thing about this issue (and gay marriage among others) is that the political party fighting tooth and nail against assisted suicide is the same one clamoring for small government and for government to stay out of the home. This goes the same for abortion and many other things. Frankly anything with a slightly religious aspect brings this hypocracy to light.
 
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