Post 89: The Evolution of Goals
"At this time, knowing what you know about your medical condition, what is most important to you?" When a palliative care physician asks...
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Decision Making
Jeanne Lee
Post 87: Are We Treating Me or My MRI?
“She’s getting better!” Ruben emphatically exclaimed, as he grasped his wife’s hand. Dr. Les, the palliative care specialist meeting...
Jeanne Lee
Post 85: "Why Don't the Doctors Agree with Each Other?" or So Many Doctors, So Many Opinions
“I couldn’t believe the surgeon was so upset! The patient was 80 years old, he was frail, and he didn’t want major surgery. He just...
Jeanne Lee
Post 74: “Maybe It’s Time to Let Go Of Some Medicines” or Why Your Doctor Might Deprescribe
If we have always equated taking medications with protecting our health – “Take your blood pressure pills. It’ll decrease your risk of...
Jeanne Lee
Post 69: 6 Reasons to Trial the "Time Limited Trial"
Some health or medical issues can be managed with relatively straightforward treatment plans: "I agree to surgery to fix this fractured...
Jeanne Lee
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...
Jeanne Lee
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...
Jeanne Lee
Post 59: Medical Decision Making 201
Have you ever made decisions "in the heat of the moment" and later shook your head asking yourself, "What was I thinking?" "Normally I...
Jeanne Lee
Post 54: Why Should I Care about My "Goals of Care?"
You probably do not need to know the definition of the healthcare phrase "goals of care" in order to advocate for the best possible...
Jeanne Lee
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...
Jeanne Lee
Post 51: Three Ways to Perpetuate CPR Myths
Sometimes it seems that we medicalize unpleasant or undesirable aspects of being a human being. One that comes to mind is grief. ...
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