Communication

Post 76: 10 Children's Books That May Help You Talk About Dying, Death, and Grief

"Can you recommend any books I can read with my kids to help me talk about dying?" is a question I occasionally hear during a palliative...

Post 67: The Difference Between "Potential" and "Likely"

Doctors often provide best case scenarios. The best case is what they are hoping for, and it is what they feel most comfortable relaying...

Post 64: Medication Miscommunication, Misconception, Misunderstanding Madness

Dad: I feel dizzy when I take that blood pressure medicine. Me: Did you tell your doctor? She can change the dose, frequency, or the...

Post 63: 4 Steps to Supporting Your Loved One Who is Praying for a “Miracle”

Certain words seem to inspire strong instinctive emotional responses when expressed among patients, family members, doctors, nurses, and...

Post 61: The "Supportive Family" - Two Perspectives on Support

I stepped into the patient's home as the man behind the door said, "I'm so glad you're here. I don't know what to do." He shut the...

Post 55: Family Meetings Can Go Sideways Fast - 3 Tips to Getting Back on Track

"I'm wearing my fighting clothes," the woman remarked to me as she watched her cousin walk towards our designated meeting place from the...

Post 53: 9 Steps to Holding a Family Meeting When a Loved One is in the Hospital

Most people do not want to go to the hospital. There is a lot of stopping and going in the emergency room, where you might have to wait...

Post 52: It's OK to Chuckle - 10 Ways Humor Can Help in a Time of Hurt

I meet Ms. A, a frail 80 year old woman, at her first palliative care appointment (read Post 1: What Exactly Does a Palliative Care...

Post 48: How to Respond When Someone You Love Says, "I Don't Want to be a Burden" - 5 Thoughts

"Mom, you can move in with me," the daughter exclaimed, "You know this." "You're already so busy," her mother replied, "and I don't want...

Post 46: How Being a "Fighter" Can Alter Your Path

The particular nouns, adjectives, and verbs we choose to describe ourselves and our lives can alter how we see ourselves and our...