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Cancer - the bst way to die
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"You can say goodbye, reflect on your life, leave last messages, perhaps visit special places for a last time, listen to favourite pieces of music, read loved poems, and prepare, according to your beliefs, to meet your maker or enjoy eternal oblivion." | |||
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"I couldn't say it would be the best but I get the sentiments behind it. You are given the chance to preparatory death and to some that's priceless " Prepare for* | |||
"My beat friend died in his sleep aged 32. No pain no suffering. That's the way to go in my opinion " AH it's too young.. I'm sorry. | |||
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"The way he explains it maybe. You can say goodbye, reflect on your life, leave last messages, perhaps visit special places for a last time, listen to favourite pieces of music, read loved poems, and prepare, according to your beliefs, to meet your maker or enjoy eternal oblivion." if its expected it can also be managed well .. so i agree with the 'maybe' | |||
"My beat friend died in his sleep aged 32. No pain no suffering. That's the way to go in my opinion AH it's too young.. I'm sorry." Yeah I'm struggling with it but knowing he didn't suffer helps | |||
"A former editor of the BMJ reckons cancer is the best way to die. Can he be right?" Having had 3 members of my family die this way, I would have mixed reactions,. one was dead within 2 weeks of diagnosis, 2 a lot longer and suffered. If the person did not suffer and it was quick and pain managed, who knows.  | |||
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"A former editor of the BMJ reckons cancer is the best way to die. Can he be right?" It would be the last option I would choose. However, I am only talking from my experience of losing friends and family in a number of ways. He is just as entitled to his perspective. | |||
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"There is no best way to die...." I think you are right. I'd rather concentrate on living! | |||
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"I couldn't say it would be the best but I get the sentiments behind it. You are given the chance to preparatory death and to some that's priceless " I understood the OP that way too. It's an interesting question. No need for people to get their knickers in a twist. | |||
"The way he explains it maybe. You can say goodbye, reflect on your life, leave last messages, perhaps visit special places for a last time, listen to favourite pieces of music, read loved poems, and prepare, according to your beliefs, to meet your maker or enjoy eternal oblivion." Thank you.  | |||
"I couldn't say it would be the best but I get the sentiments behind it. You are given the chance to preparatory death and to some that's priceless I understood the OP that way too. It's an interesting question. No need for people to get their knickers in a twist. " It's an emotive subject for a lot of people. | |||
"I couldn't say it would be the best but I get the sentiments behind it. You are given the chance to preparatory death and to some that's priceless I understood the OP that way too. It's an interesting question. No need for people to get their knickers in a twist. " oh dear | |||
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"A former editor of the BMJ reckons cancer is the best way to die. Can he be right?" I would give him the answer that he is a right tit, the best way to die, is either in your sleep of falling down dead, no pain no hassle. I care not for any paper he may have presented. A quick painless death is a hell of a lot better than suffering for a long time, family suffering too, and patient being on morphine. Where can I find him paper so I can answer him direct? Private message obviously as you may not be allowed to post a link on forum. | |||
"The way he explains it maybe. You can say goodbye, reflect on your life, leave last messages, perhaps visit special places for a last time, listen to favourite pieces of music, read loved poems, and prepare, according to your beliefs, to meet your maker or enjoy eternal oblivion." I can see this to an extent - and knowing you're going to die has it's advantages. In an ideal world i'd die on my 85th birthday, after a life free of illness and pain, after a farewell party for family and friends, in the arms of the man i love after great sex! Not much to ask?? Xx | |||
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"I think I'd want to know the whole context of the article before castigating the guy as out of touch or callous. I think there's a very valid point about being able to plan and prepare. In many ways that's easier for the people left behind to deal with than a sudden, unexpected death. Cancer has a huge grip on the national consciousness because it touches so many of us - but compared with many other conditions/diseases/ways to go it is comparatively well funded and there is support available to people. And that's exactly as it should be, but sadly isn't the case in a lot of other areas of medicine. Cancer or kidney disease? Cancer or MS? Cancer or Alzheimer's? It's not to diminish some of the horrific experiences people have had, but all in all, he may have a point on some level. " | |||
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"Many of the responses centre on suffering but there's no need for suffering nowadays." True,the nurses come and administer morphine. The person stops suffering and slowly dies | |||
Cancer is one if those areas where the stats speak for themselves and are probably under reported. I've seen people go through and have the treatment, it's humbling and heartbreaking at the same time. | |||
"The way he explains it maybe. You can say goodbye, reflect on your life, leave last messages, perhaps visit special places for a last time, listen to favourite pieces of music, read loved poems, and prepare, according to your beliefs, to meet your maker or enjoy eternal oblivion. Thank you. "sorry...it seems a bit more about the person dying, rather than the peopeple who will be left behind.It might b ea great way to go...if one wants lots of sympathy etc so...is suicide..or attempted suicide better?...it brings people together...yet promotes a REALLY vicious cycle(first hand experience of that with friends,family,patients) | |||
"Many of the responses centre on suffering but there's no need for suffering nowadays." Unfortunately that's all I've seen with the people I'd been looking after. | |||
"I can see what they mean regarding being able to prepare and say goodbye, but you can do that with other progressive illnesses too. Whatever is wrong with you, you do not always want to believe you are going to die and make those preparations. Having watched my Mum die from womb cancer that finally spread to her brain, leaving her unable to communicate with me or anyone else for her last couple of weeks. I would not say it is the best way to die. I am not sure there is a best way to die. Even if it is best for you i.e. you die suddenly and painlessly, that is often harder for those left behind. " Your last sentence is important. We are considering this from the point of view of those left behind. The truly compassionate way is to view it from the patient's point of view. | |||
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"My father, my best friend's mother and father and recently her mother in law died from cancer. They were all wonderful loving people who are sadly missed. My friend's mother in law was a quick diagnosis and a horrible death at the end. So it's a no and I hope the writer of the article never goes through this "I apologise for my incorrect writing re article. got a bit insensed | |||
"The way he explains it maybe. You can say goodbye, reflect on your life, leave last messages, perhaps visit special places for a last time, listen to favourite pieces of music, read loved poems, and prepare, according to your beliefs, to meet your maker or enjoy eternal oblivion. Thank you.
sorry...it seems a bit more about the person dying, rather than the peopeple who will be left behind.It might b ea great way to go...if one wants lots of sympathy etc
so...is suicide..or attempted suicide better?...it brings people together...yet promotes a REALLY vicious cycle(first hand experience of that with friends,family,patients)"I think it's more about the people left behind actually - if it were just me alone in the world I'd want to go out like turning off a switch and not know anything about it. If I have family and friends I'd rather they were prepared and things like my funeral could be planned. Not for me as a patient but to make things easier for them. The chaos and trauma caused by sudden and unexpected deaths really can't be underestimated. | |||
"What a stupid irresponsible thing to say "fucking daft...and i see cancer as a simple genetic problem..it isn't an evil organism... but to suggest its a 'good way to go' FUCK off | |||
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"I can see what they mean regarding being able to prepare and say goodbye, but you can do that with other progressive illnesses too. Whatever is wrong with you, you do not always want to believe you are going to die and make those preparations. Having watched my Mum die from womb cancer that finally spread to her brain, leaving her unable to communicate with me or anyone else for her last couple of weeks. I would not say it is the best way to die. I am not sure there is a best way to die. Even if it is best for you i.e. you die suddenly and painlessly, that is often harder for those left behind. Your last sentence is important. We are considering this from the point of view of those left behind. The truly compassionate way is to view it from the patient's point of view." your talking PISH again. why would someone think more of themselves as they die than those they care for who will survive them... | |||
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"We haven't got a say in how we go anyway. So in effect this discussion is pointless. Right? " unless you choose suicide | |||
 . ... Ps Happy New Year all! | |||
"I can see what they mean regarding being able to prepare and say goodbye, but you can do that with other progressive illnesses too. Whatever is wrong with you, you do not always want to believe you are going to die and make those preparations. Having watched my Mum die from womb cancer that finally spread to her brain, leaving her unable to communicate with me or anyone else for her last couple of weeks. I would not say it is the best way to die. I am not sure there is a best way to die. Even if it is best for you i.e. you die suddenly and painlessly, that is often harder for those left behind. Your last sentence is important. We are considering this from the point of view of those left behind. The truly compassionate way is to view it from the patient's point of view. your talking PISH again. why would someone think more of themselves as they die than those they care for who will survive them..." If you get someone to read what I wrote out to you, you may see that your response has no bearing on my post. | |||
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"Many of the responses centre on suffering but there's no need for suffering nowadays." Yes this is very true, suffering can be eased, in most cases, for the sufferer, unfortunately not so for their loved ones. | |||
"I can see what they mean regarding being able to prepare and say goodbye, but you can do that with other progressive illnesses too. Whatever is wrong with you, you do not always want to believe you are going to die and make those preparations. Having watched my Mum die from womb cancer that finally spread to her brain, leaving her unable to communicate with me or anyone else for her last couple of weeks. I would not say it is the best way to die. I am not sure there is a best way to die. Even if it is best for you i.e. you die suddenly and painlessly, that is often harder for those left behind. Your last sentence is important. We are considering this from the point of view of those left behind. The truly compassionate way is to view it from the patient's point of view." Yes I agree. I think hospices have the pain management spot on, I think for those wishing to remain at home though it can sometimes be more difficult. The district nurses are stretched and can't always get there immediately. Once the morphine driver is in , that controls the pain. Before then though , I did see my Mum in pain. My close friend also said the same and she nursed her husband at home like we did. Having seen a loved one die from a heart attack - that seemed less suffering, more shocking for us. I'll never know though until it's me, as you can't ask the sufferers once they've gone. | |||
"We haven't got a say in how we go anyway. So in effect this discussion is pointless. Right? unless you choose suicide" That's usually down to mental distress/illness. It isn't usually a choice. | |||
"Think I will consentrate on the best way to Live, than dwell on the bad or good way ta die ... Memories live on in others too ... I wanna make em good ones . ... Ps Happy New Year all! "I always say 'best wishes'..saves the happy element lol | |||
"Never fails to amaze me the shit, some people spout! " | |||
"We haven't got a say in how we go anyway. So in effect this discussion is pointless. Right? " suicide gives you a say if you really want one. I dont think that the guy who said this was saying it is a painless way to die, just that it allowed people time to come to terms with their mortality, finish things they wanted to finish, resolve conflicts with people, make sure that their funeral costs ere covered so as not to burden family etc. in essence some people have time to be ready to die. I suspect he may have been misquoted to provide the biggest headline impact. | |||
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"We haven't got a say in how we go anyway. So in effect this discussion is pointless. Right? unless you choose suicide That's usually down to mental distress/illness. It isn't usually a choice. " if I went on maslow's hierarchy of need I could say a truly self actualized person may have the right to commit suicide...but as its a flawed theory..I could never know who should be allowed to commit it. | |||
"I think I'd want to know the whole context of the article before castigating the guy as out of touch or callous. I think there's a very valid point about being able to plan and prepare. In many ways that's easier for the people left behind to deal with than a sudden, unexpected death. Cancer has a huge grip on the national consciousness because it touches so many of us - but compared with many other conditions/diseases/ways to go it is comparatively well funded and there is support available to people. And that's exactly as it should be, but sadly isn't the case in a lot of other areas of medicine. Cancer or kidney disease? Cancer or MS? Cancer or Alzheimer's? It's not to diminish some of the horrific experiences people have had, but all in all, he may have a point on some level. " | |||
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"I couldn't say it would be the best but I get the sentiments behind it. You are given the chance to preparatory death and to some that's priceless Prepare for*" | |||
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"We haven't got a say in how we go anyway. So in effect this discussion is pointless. Right? unless you choose suicide That's usually down to mental distress/illness. It isn't usually a choice. if I went on maslow's hierarchy of need I could say a truly self actualized person may have the right to commit suicide...but as its a flawed theory..I could never know who should be allowed to commit it." I've no idea. Pm me to explain maslow's hierarchy will you? | |||
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"Let's not forget the surgery with weeks in hospital,chemo that makes you ill,losing all your hair,endless hospital appointments,radiotherapy,catheters,losing your dignity. " watched a year of that - was all that last year was about - no time or energy for much else | |||
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" The best way would be quietly, in your sleep at a ripe old age knowing your children are all grown up, happy and healthy." This | |||
"My opinion is when a person is diagnosed with cancer it gives them time to put life in order and do things. Alot of people who die suddenly don't have that option. " well id still rather die quickly even if i hadnt sorted stuff out..anyway u can but stuff in order without having cancer . | |||
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" for all of those (myself included as i have lost loved ones to cancer), would you have preferred your loved one not to have had the life prolonging medication and treatments they had? I am not sure to be honest. Part of me thinks that we should do all we can to help sufferers and sometimes the treatments work better than people expect but then on the other hand, if the person that is ill knows there is no cure available why should we subject them to treatments that just prolong their life because we dont want to say goodbye." I guess it is down to the sufferer and what they want, if they are aware of the facts and the chances of a treatment working. Some will choose to do nothing and others will throw themselves into every treatment they can. The benefit of hindsight is a wonderful thing. I wish my Mum had not had chemotherapy and radiotherapy, as it did not help. She lost her hair and was in extra pain from those treatments, which did not help the cancer at all. However, I know that she felt she may be helping future patients, as how her cancer spread was rare. So she wanted to at least try. We can all only do what we feel is the best thing at that given moment. | |||
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"Both my parents died as a result of cancer, my mother 2 days before my 7th birthday and my father when I was 21. I can assure anyone that cancer is a horrible lingering death "Remember, that was 30+ years ago and palliative care has improved out of all recognition. | |||
"Never fails to amaze me the shit, some people spout! "Iagree 100%. I have seen two very close loved ones die of this horrible and cruel disease and the title of this thread is unbelievable. That is one of the most upsetting comments I've ever read on here. I really wish I hadn't bledi loged on now | |||
"Both my parents died as a result of cancer, my mother 2 days before my 7th birthday and my father when I was 21. I can assure anyone that cancer is a horrible lingering death
Remember, that was 30+ years ago and palliative care has improved out of all recognition."True enough, but there are only a small percentage of cancers that are treatable resulting in being given the all clear. Most you can go into is remission at best, I know things have improved considerably in the last 30/40 yrs, but it's still not a nice way to die  | |||
"Never fails to amaze me the shit, some people spout!
Iagree 100%. I have seen two very close loved ones die of this horrible and cruel disease and the title of this thread is unbelievable. That is one of the most upsetting comments I've ever read on here. I really wish I hadn't bledi loged on now "I don't think the title of this thread or the way the comment has been reported is accurately reflective of the thrust of the actual article. Not only sensationalist journalism but having the power to really upset people too
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"Never fails to amaze me the shit, some people spout!
Iagree 100%. I have seen two very close loved ones die of this horrible and cruel disease and the title of this thread is unbelievable. That is one of the most upsetting comments I've ever read on here. I really wish I hadn't bledi loged on now
I don't think the title of this thread or the way the comment has been reported is accurately reflective of the thrust of the actual article. Not only sensationalist journalism but having the power to really upset people too
"I tried to make it clear in the OP that the doc's opinion was open to question. | |||
"Many of the responses centre on suffering but there's no need for suffering nowadays. Unfortunately that's all I've seen with the people I'd been looking after." same here, even with the highest doses of painkillers some are still in a lot of pain | |||
" Despite the derivative comments I believe if you approach thus laterally he has a point. He doesnt suggest Cancer itself and the pain is the best way, but the fact that whilst cruel, a slow passing allows some acceptance for some and the ability to make choices. Its a sorrowful subject...any death is but losing a loved one suddenly is brutal,for instance in an RTC it leaves you without the chance to say those things that may matter or even be with them when they pass...something many are robbed of ?" Once you are dead you know nothing. I would rather go to bed tonight and not wake up than be told I have cancer and will have months maybe years of treatment that will only prolong my waiting. My children,grandchildren and family will mourn me regardless off how I die. I don't need to say goodbye or do anything before I go. Once I am gone it's all irrelevant. Go to a children's ward and see the pain. Ask someone who had cancer treatment and they may not say they would go through it again | |||
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" As someone who watched my mother die from liver cancer I'd disagree. " Can't read the full thread but as above - its a no from me | |||
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"My opinion is when a person is diagnosed with cancer it gives them time to put life in order and do things. Alot of people who die suddenly don't have that option. " thinking outside the box for a bit ... Why wait to get the news of any illness to get our lives in order and do things? Think we all can be guilty of plodding along in life forgetting that none of us get out alive ...
I too have had things happen in my life that made me stop n take stock of all ... And re evaluate my whole being .... Nowadays the stupid, small things many concern themselves with don't even touch me ... Life is really for living as we are dead along time ... Where ever and however that happens... End result still the same | |||
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"We haven't got a say in how we go anyway. So in effect this discussion is pointless. Right? unless you choose suicide That's usually down to mental distress/illness. It isn't usually a choice. if I went on maslow's hierarchy of need I could say a truly self actualized person may have the right to commit suicide...but as its a flawed theory..I could never know who should be allowed to commit it." How can a person not have a right to commit suicide? It's up to the person, no-one else. | |||
"We haven't got a say in how we go anyway. So in effect this discussion is pointless. Right? suicide gives you a say if you really want one. I dont think that the guy who said this was saying it is a painless way to die, just that it allowed people time to come to terms with their mortality, finish things they wanted to finish, resolve conflicts with people, make sure that their funeral costs ere covered so as not to burden family etc. in essence some people have time to be ready to die. I suspect he may have been misquoted to provide the biggest headline impact."
He's just a guy making comments. He's not making laws that will mean everyone will die of cancer! Of course cancer is horrendous.
I've read the article and disagree with most of what he says. But agree with some points. | |||
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"Gob smacked. Haven't read all the replies, I don't have time im about to head to work to care for people dying of cancer. Some people can have "nice deaths" and a easy cancer journey, relatively pain free. For the majority this is not the case. People plan to do things to prepare but cancer often weakens them too quickly and dependant on the cancer the death can be a pretty horrific if they are not correctly medicated. As for the not I glimsed about increase of cancer, it could be due to us being more aware of cancer and diagnosing it sooner where as in the past a older person would of died of old age and a younger person from a illness that often occurs from cancer such as pneumonia " My dad passed away after having throat cancer. had all the treatments, couldn't eat after a period of time and was tube fed at home by my mum. He was was misdiagnosed originally with depression, total fuckup on dr's part, by the time they did diagnose, all they could do was treat him. The cause of death was pneumonia but his family know the real cause of death. yes he did have it but had they not screwed up in the first place, my dad may have still been here | |||
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"OK .. This is flippant.. But from an astrological perspective . with Scorpio would be a good way to go " Never lost anyone from cancer then? I certainly hope you never do! | |||
"Many of the responses centre on suffering but there's no need for suffering nowadays." It all depends on thr kind of cancer. Some cancers cause a lot of pain and also embarrassing and undignified procedures. Many of the treatments for cancer are worse than the actual disease. And as for morphine being the answer to the pain: not everyone can tolerate morphine and it comes with problems and side effects too. Personally I throw up violently on morphine and it causes some people painful constipation. Knowing you have a disease which is also potentially a legacy that could decimate your loved ones after you've gone does not make for peace of mind either. I understand his point, that a monitered death with plenty of pain relief and good care from doctors and nurses possibly in a hospice and being told relatively accurately how long you have left so you can set things in order well that sounds great. But it's not really like that for many people. | |||
"OK .. This is flippant.. But from an astrological perspective . with Scorpio would be a good way to go Never lost anyone from cancer then? I certainly hope you never do! " cancer is a horrid miserable terrifying disease... I meant no offence to anyone ..just tried to lighten the thread .. I apologise whole heartedly for upsetting anyone | |||
" I dont think that the guy who said this was saying it is a painless way to die, just that it allowed people time to come to terms with their mortality, finish things they wanted to finish, resolve conflicts with people, make sure that their funeral costs ere covered so as not to burden family etc. in essence some people have time to be ready to die. I suspect he may have been misquoted to provide the biggest headline impact." Every Person should ensure they have all matters mentioned above at hand and ensure they are prepared for when the time comes at the minimum everyone should have; 1; funeral plan or at least pay one up 2; Will 3; registered Powers of Attorney 4; speak to family members about this and what you want when the time comes, make them aware you have all 4 items above and where they are located and remember you may not die right away so - registered Powers of Attorney is very important and worth the cost even though it is not cheap We are all responsible for our own matters in life and ideally in past life, do you really want to be a Burdon to your family? This is a new start to 2015, take account of your life and ensure you have things in place to help and support your family when the time comes. . | |||
"OK .. This is flippant.. But from an astrological perspective . with Scorpio would be a good way to go Never lost anyone from cancer then? I certainly hope you never do! cancer is a horrid miserable terrifying disease... I meant no offence to anyone ..just tried to lighten the thread .. I apologise whole heartedly for upsetting anyone" no probs..we know you meant no offence..but it is a touchy subject for a lot of folk | |||
"OK .. This is flippant.. But from an astrological perspective . with Scorpio would be a good way to go Never lost anyone from cancer then? I certainly hope you never do! cancer is a horrid miserable terrifying disease... I meant no offence to anyone ..just tried to lighten the thread .. I apologise whole heartedly for upsetting anyone" Death - the act itself is depressing I agree but life is for living and humour is allowed! It is what makes us human. I've had plenty of horrific stuff happen to me but I am allowed to smile and be silly as is everyone else. Right? | |||
" I SHALL CHOOSE MY OWN TIME TO GO, VIA MY OWN HAND". All my family including my two lovely daughters now accept this. I have no fear whatsoever of death. It's one thing in all our lives which is unequivocally definite, certain, absolutely unavoidable. That said, whatever argument, re, 'the morality of suicide, to me at least, becomes totally irrelevant. At the very least, even though I know my family (and friends) would be heartbroken if I were to 'leave' them, they are well aware of my feelings concerning any terminal illness, not just cancer, that I may be unfortunate enough to contract in the future. After all, would we allow a loved animal to lie and suffer....?? " Its a sad day when we see a loved pet / animal suffer and we will nurse and treat until the time comes that we have a choice of letting the animal / pet suffer continuous pain or in its own home in its own surroundings we have a vet come out and put it to sleep as we hold it lovingly in our arms and yet; we let humans go on and suffer in pain knowing there is no return I agree with the comments above and think when the final days come you should be allowed to take your own life without having to fund and fly to another country to carry this out. Sadly some cannot end their own life by their own hand and they will incriminate others who want to assist . | |||
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"I want to die peacefully in my sleep like my Grandad.... Not screaming and crying like the passengers on his bus! " | |||
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"OK .. This is flippant.. But from an astrological perspective . with Scorpio would be a good way to go Never lost anyone from cancer then? I certainly hope you never do! cancer is a horrid miserable terrifying disease... I meant no offence to anyone ..just tried to lighten the thread .. I apologise whole heartedly for upsetting anyone Death - the act itself is depressing I agree but life is for living and humour is allowed! It is what makes us human. I've had plenty of horrific stuff happen to me but I am allowed to smile and be silly as is everyone else. Right? " I never said nobody could not smile and be silly but there is a time and a place as the man in question has realised and apologised publicly. | |||
"OK .. This is flippant.. But from an astrological perspective . with Scorpio would be a good way to go Never lost anyone from cancer then? I certainly hope you never do! cancer is a horrid miserable terrifying disease... I meant no offence to anyone ..just tried to lighten the thread .. I apologise whole heartedly for upsetting anyone" Thank you | |||
"OK .. This is flippant.. But from an astrological perspective . with Scorpio would be a good way to go Never lost anyone from cancer then? I certainly hope you never do! cancer is a horrid miserable terrifying disease... I meant no offence to anyone ..just tried to lighten the thread .. I apologise whole heartedly for upsetting anyone Death - the act itself is depressing I agree but life is for living and humour is allowed! It is what makes us human. I've had plenty of horrific stuff happen to me but I am allowed to smile and be silly as is everyone else. Right? I never said nobody could not smile and be silly but there is a time and a place as the man in question has realised and apologised publicly. " Sometimes it can pop up. | |||
"My mum had ms for 30 years. She also had cancer twice. She was happy with her second diagnosis as she thought it would take her quicker than the ms. MS is a dreadful disease. It stole pieces of her slowly. Unfortunately, the cancer didn't progress quickly enough for her. It was the ms which got her in the end. Believe me that was very unpleasant. Far worse than other relatives who succumbed to cancer. It all depends on context and situation. " I agree, it totally depends on context. If you'd just posted the sentence 'my mum was happy with her cancer diagnosis' the inference is very different. The Doctor referred to in the OP may well have been misquoted. And/ or misunderstood. x | |||
"The way he explains it maybe. You can say goodbye, reflect on your life, leave last messages, perhaps visit special places for a last time, listen to favourite pieces of music, read loved poems, and prepare, according to your beliefs, to meet your maker or enjoy eternal oblivion." Now that piece makes real sense of the statement...people die of a lot of things and none are pleasant to those left behind | |||
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"My mum had ms for 30 years. She also had cancer twice. She was happy with her second diagnosis as she thought it would take her quicker than the ms. MS is a dreadful disease. It stole pieces of her slowly. Unfortunately, the cancer didn't progress quickly enough for her. It was the ms which got her in the end. Believe me that was very unpleasant. Far worse than other relatives who succumbed to cancer. It all depends on context and situation. I agree, it totally depends on context. If you'd just posted the sentence 'my mum was happy with her cancer diagnosis' the inference is very different. The Doctor referred to in the OP may well have been misquoted. And/ or misunderstood. x" And my father's death due to pneumonia was equally unpleasant far more than when my aunt and cousin died of cancer. It may seem insensitive for a doctor to say that cancer is the best death but he surely means in comparison to others. He has no doubt a great deal of experience of seeing death in its many unpleasant forms. Far more perhaps than most of us. The thing with cancer is that it is so emotive to many people. Seeing someone you love die of it is deeply upsetting to say the least. And if you have never witnessed other forms of death then to you cancer may appear to be the worst death. But it really isn't. Some deaths from cancer may be but not all. And with modern pain relief is not always the agonising death it once was. Of course, this is all generalising and it is not my intention to offend anyone or minimise or trivialise people's individual experiences. My mother's first cancer diagnosis terrified her. As a nurse of 25 years experience she knew what it meant. She survived it. But she also knew what ms had in store for her, having also nursed this. Therefore, after her second cancer diagnosis she seemed quite happy. So much so that it took the consultant aback until she explained the form of ms she had. Then he understood completely. | |||
"A former editor of the BMJ reckons cancer is the best way to die. Can he be right?" I hope he has the strength of his convictions and is therefore enjoying a full range of mutagens and exposing himself to lots of radiation. | |||
