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Goals / What's Most Important


Post 102: A Reminder About Being a “Fighter”
“He’s been an inspiration to all of us,” the son Alex said about his dad, Mr. N., lying in the hospital bed, “He was diagnosed with stage...
Jeanne Lee


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...
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 65: Optimism and Hope
"Staying positive" and "being optimistic" are probably two big ways to keep motivated in making the best of each day and working towards...
Jeanne Lee


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...
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 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...
Jeanne Lee


Post 39: Seven Steps to Talking With Your Family If You Feel "Like a Burden"
I count 1, 2, 3, and push myself up from the recliner, grabbing onto the handles of my walker positioned in front of me. I pause in my...
Jeanne Lee


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...
Jeanne Lee


Post 37: "Do Everything" and Other Misconstrued Phrases
"I admitted Mr. D, a gentleman with moderate to severe dementia last night. He has pneumonia and respiratory failure. I asked Mr. D's...
Jeanne Lee
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