Assisted Suicide

[Bubblegum *sugarless*]

This subject has recently been brought to my attention by a family member. The fact that she mentioned it blew my mind. She has recently been diagnosed w/ metastatic lung cancer. She didn't ask for assistance, just my thoughts on it.

So, could any of you do it if a family member asked? Regardless of the legalities. Honestly I don't think I could, but I can understand how someone who is suffering with no hope of relief might want to do that.

 

[registered "^^"]

RUN

the other way. you can put an animal out of its misery in the USA, but not an intelligent human who wants no further suffering. And think of all the money the medical system would lose if people were allowed to die with dignity. God gave us a brain, but some believe you should not use it.

 

[Siren]

A friend of mine did just that.

 

[Bubblegum *sugarless*]

Siren, what a wonderful friend you are for understanding her need for dignity in a situation like that.

 

[Blackbich]

Re: A friend of mine did just that.

She had been battling cancer for years and when it came back after remission it went into her bones and was headed up her spine to her brain,

I would take her to holistic appointments, we would talk about her taking her life with dignity and the entire Hemlock society ideals.

I was only friend okay with it, so we talked extensively. I told her I could not assist in the suicide and must not ever know exactly when she was going to do it....but I would help her get her legal affairs in order......

I did just that with a living will, will and other such documents.
That nite, she took all her pain pills that she had been hording, with some Jack Daniels, wrote her letters and then put a bag over her face.....

She was found next day by her day caregiver. It was her wish to not burden her daughter with watching her die, which was inevitable.....

I did the memorial for her. She was the bravest woman I ever met. and she took control of her final destiny.

This story explains so much better than arguments. Thank you, Siren.

I'm a BIG advocate of being able to 'die with dignity'. If I'm ever diagnosed with a terminal disease, I'll do it. If a friend of mine was in terrible pain and was dying, I don't think I could physically help them do it. I'd definitely be their sounding board and help them make sure they had all their affairs in order though. I believe it should be every person's right to decide for themselves.

 

[Siren]

Thank you, but really I was just being her friend

 

[Bubblegum *sugarless*]

Re: Thank you, but really I was just being her friend

She was tired, tired of the pain, the burden on others and of not really living a good life....and tired of waiting to die.

Btw there was no 'miracle' waiting to happen for her either, no medical remedy that would save her from paraylisis and insanity.

That right there says it all. My family member has only been offered comfort measures by her doctors to deal with the cancer (which has spread to her brain, and possibly her liver). She needed surgery to drain cancerous fluid from around her heart, and now they want to do surgery to open a collapsed vein in her leg that is causing poor circulation and major pain. She just wants out. She feels too weak to fight the doctors and too weak to fight the disease.

I admire her for wanting to take what dignity she has left and just let go.

 

[Siren]

There comes a time when you ask yourself as one in an incurable disease.......

 

[*Lazer*]

This is a difficult discussion at best. It is cruel to say the medical proffession wants only to make money from the sufferings of the terminally ill. Cruel and inaccurate. I know many health care workers who dedicate themselves to make certain the termianlly ill are kept comfortable and do not prolong the pain of these unfortunate people.

I believe life is very precious. If you are comatose then withdrawal of support is enough to ensure you death fairly quickly. If you are concious and able to communicate with your loved ones why rob them of those hours with you. I have friend whose father was terminally ill when he once again made the effort to bridge a gap that had existed for over twenty years. What was so important about this time is that my friend was finally heard by his dad. It did not change my friend's life but it brought him some peace and taught him about his strength of charactor.

We suffer to come into this world and sometimes we suffer to go out too. I want every moment and experience the good and the bad. So no I do not believe in suicide. I do believe it is every person's right to dictate their care and the amount of intervention in the face of terminal illness. I wish your relative peace whatever path they choose to follow.

Siren you are a wise woman and a good friend.

 

[teresafannin]

This is a difficult one. My grandmother was in terrible agony the last few years of her battle with cancer. My sister & I have discussed this & promised to do what we can for each other, should the situation arise. I think the medical profession, on the whole, does an excellent job. My ex husband is a nurse & at one time, took care of terminally ill patients. I hope it never comes to that for the people I love.

Siren, I think it is wonderful the support you gave your friend. It shows again what a kind heart you have. I think I am very lucky to be able to count you as a friend. Hugs, Teresa