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Post 38: Choosing Where, When, and How a Loved One Dies Takes Knowledge, Action, and Courage

Before I started working as a palliative care physician (read Post 1: What Exactly Does a Palliative Care Specialist Do?), I worked as a...

"I admitted Mr. D, a gentleman with moderate to severe dementia last night. He has pneumonia and respiratory failure. I asked Mr. D's...

"She didn't use the Life Alert button when she fell! What am I going to do if this happens again? I've used up all my days staying with...

"The doctor said months. What am I supposed to do with months?! I won't get to be a part of my children's stories. I won't get to meet my...

"When you go in to talk to him, don't use the 'H' word." "The 'H' word?" I asked as I quickly thought of every profanity in my...

(We all experience denial at various points in our lives. Some moments may be short lived - the shock and disbelief in witnessing a...

"Do you need a copy of my living will for your records?" she asked. "Honestly, having a thoughtful conversation about what's important to...

"I wish this pain would just go away. I can hardly stand up to walk to the bathroom." "What have you tried for pain relief?" "I take a...

"The worst thing is the fatigue. I have no energy to do anything!" Mr. Q exclaims, "I used to play baseball. Last year I was driving and...

Sometimes during a palliative care visit (read Post 1: What Exactly Does a Palliative Care Specialist Do?), I am asked, "Do you have...