Patty,

You have chosen a very controversial subject, but this is the right group of people to present this to. I will be interested to read the responses.

I did not see the Oprah program, but I followed Brittany's story. Her decision was not an easy one, but she did a tremendous amount of soul-searching and research before she chose the course she took. Her family was in agreement with her decision and supported her.

I understand why she made the choice she did. No one wants to live their last days in intense suffering or lose control of their physical abilities and mental processes. No one wants to be completely dependent on others for care or worse yet, become a burden to the very people that they love the most. We know that our pain can be controlled, but is that enough? I guess it all depends on how someone's disease progresses, what the manifestations of that progression are, and what lies ahead.

My parents and only sibling died peacefully with no or very little pain. They did not linger between life and death for a long time. They were lucky. I hope to have the same experience, but who knows what is coming?

Brittany's body was losing the ability to function as her brain was more and more impacted by her disease. She knew what was coming. She knew when she was crossing the line and would no long be able to continue to be "herself". She chose the time to die. As many have said, we allow our pets to die before they suffer too much, so shouldn't people who have been medically certified as terminal and near death be allowed to die peacefully at a time of their choosing?

I have discussed this option of DWD with my DH. I said that someday I might want to become a residence of Vermont and follow the steps to get the DWD drugs. He was not open to even discussing it. Of course, I hope I won't need those drugs and will go quickly, peacefully, pain free, and with dignity. I don't know if I would ever want to take that path, but I do know that I would never take the DWD route if my DH continues to be against it. I would not want to inflict that pain on him.

I apologize because I went way off topic of the question you asked. I do think that people should have the right to die. No one can understand how much another person is suffering. It is easy for us to think that pain and suffering can be controlled, but we cannot feel what someone else is feeling. Sometimes death really is a blessing. There are safeguards in place with the DWD laws to ensure that the people have no hope of recovery, are mentally capable of making the decision, have been certifiedby more than one physician, and have had ample time to think about it before getting the Rx.

I hope more states pass DWD laws. My own state legislature has voted against it at least twice.

Sorry I was so long-winded,Lynne

Hi Patti,

The decision of access to DWD was made for me by recent California legislation.

Those with terminal illness, functioning minds, supportive doctors and adequate funds can access this option.

While there are logistic hoops to jump through in California, Oregon and Washington (3 DWD states), it can be done.

As glad as I am that I can choose it or myself, I don't think I will. I am dying and am fascinated by both the process and all the amazing things that have happened during the twilight of my life. Truly astounding! I wouldn't want to miss a minute of it.

Those who want to read a very long and detailed conversation of DWD in the cancer community, check this out:

Physician-assisted termination of life

https://www.smartpatients.com/conversations/14991

free registration required

Patti, you are so right, it's a huge, important conversation to have, but there are many strong feelings pro and con.

I so enjoy looking at controversial issues from all angles, a new perspective is always welcome, even if it's not one I hold.

Warm, gentle, healing hug, Patti, Stephanie

PS, I keep thinking of your topic on your port installation and how fun it was to compare port stories. I recently wrote to someone about power ports and mouse-tails and those images came to mind. You always choose interesting topics to explore, Patti. I appreciate you so much and include you in my healing meditations.

I think it should be available for people. No one should have to suffer painfully until they die if there is no chance of recovery or cure. . Myself, cannot imagine discussing with my family though as Ms M points out either. I am new to mets so I have not thought of this for me yet. Being in my brain, I may not even need it if I have coma etc. I still think hospice would be my first reaction but who knows. I just like having the choice there for me IF I want it. There is Death with Dignity in Canada that has just begun for us so if needed, I could take that route if needed.

I can imagine how difficult it would be discussing with family though and also having people there when it was done this way. There are some in my family I know could not handle it and I would have to respect that too.

Many good points and a LOT to think about. I like it is coming and we are talking about it. We need more talking about it. It is not black/white but a completely gray area but it needs to be out more.

It should be an option. I want the option. Brittney was in a situation where they really could not make her comfortable or give her any reasonable hope quality of life and I understood her choice. This came up with my mom, but we could not move. She had a very full life but last year for her was not a life she wanted.

>Z<

I'm all for "right to die". I hope I won't have to decide to choose it, that I will go naturally, just fade away. However it does bring some comfort to know that the option is there.

DWD is now available in Canada and I would certainly consider that option. I would rather die peacefully in a hospice facility, but if pain cannot be controlled I would ask for DWD. Widow with no children, the decision would probably be easier for me.

It would be nice to have a choice, but here it costs an arm and a leg. Just give me the barbiturates or whatever it is they give you.

Good conversation. I have always thought that assisted suicide should be available, but reading a lot about it has made me understand the other side as well. Scuttlers' post profoundly makes the point that estimates of "how long" we have are very fallible. There is also an organization called Not Dead Yet with members that have various serious disabilities, who understandably have great concerns about legalizing assisted suicide nationally. It is brutal to have to "prove" that your life is worthwhile to those who view your existence as a time suck and an economic drain. While I would very much want the option to make the decision to end my life on my own timeline, in relative comfort (as opposed to finding a convenient bridge or hoping that some combo of drugs will actually do the job), I also understand the possible repercussions of making suicide easier for society in general. As the law stands now, I think that the requirements of the states that do allow assisted suicide are working very well. It is limited to those with terminal conditions, and the majority of those who opt for the life ending drugs never actually use them; they simply want the option to do so, and the peace of mind that comes with knowing that the option is there. With proper protections, I think that is the way to go, while understanding the viewpoint of those who fear a slippery slope.

I would never consider basing my choice on something a doctor said. Instead, it would be about feeling that my body was giving up. Much like my tomato plants this time of year, I believe that I will feel it when the life force is draining, and will no longer sustain me through another treatment protocol. On the other hand, I suspect I will hold on as long as possible. This is a choice, that is by definition, a last resort.

*susan*

No controversy with me. Right to die should be a personal right / I agree with Susan it should be how you feel. At some point I will be ready to be done with treatment and that will be my decision alone. (or it should be)

I totally support the option. As a kid, I watched a tv special about dr. Kavorkian and thought he was great (an odd hero for a 10 year old girl), I've always known that I did not want to waste away in a hospital. My state is firmly in the Bible Belt, so I doubt it would be an option here for many many years but who knows. In the mean time, I plan to keep on living and will deal with that later 🙂

I live in a "right to die" state.  It is not something I plan on necessarily using, but it gives me comfort to know that option is there.