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Post by mellyw on Oct 15, 2014 19:45:17 GMT
I could be wrong, but if you have a problem with Assisted Suicide, I think you've lived a life without pain.
I've not been so lucky. There is literally not one part of my body that something hasn't gone wrong. I baffle Doctors & Dentists, & it started when I was young. First brush with death & terrible pain I was 5. An unlikely combination of a Brain Tumor & Orbital Cellulitus.
I could give a laundry list of my medical issues. And some still wouldn't understand, because it's hard to understand others pain. There are times *I* think I understand my pain tolerance, until yet another weird thing happens & my understanding of pain in rewritten.
My family knows there may be a point that I'm done. My DH has watched me suffer for years & knows my tolerance will end. I wish this woman the best & I'm very relieved for her that she will die with dignity.
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Post by gritzi on Oct 15, 2014 20:06:00 GMT
What do I think of her situation?
There by the grace of God I go ....
Her story is sad, especially since she's so young. 29 and newly married is just the beginning of her life.
My Grandmother passed away from Alzheimer's. I think I would consider the same should I, God forbid, receive an Alzheimer's diagnosis.
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Post by carly on Oct 15, 2014 20:08:45 GMT
No I don't feel she should suffer. I disagree with suicide, which is what she is planning. I understand why she's doing it, I understand that having the meds has brought her peace and a sense of control in her situation. As a Christ-follower, I just disagree with it. I don't feel it is up to me to decide my days on this Earth. Thank goodness my God doesn't agree. I could never believe in a god with such little compassion. Ever. Why do you feel the need to make smart ass comments about how she believes and worships? She is just expressing HER opinion about a subject that the op brought up. And if you want to be a smart ass about Gods I damn sure couldn't and wouldn't believe that crazy shit you believe, now how does that feel.
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craftykitten
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,304
Jun 26, 2014 7:39:32 GMT
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Post by craftykitten on Oct 15, 2014 20:09:05 GMT
I could be wrong, but if you have a problem with Assisted Suicide, I think you've lived a life without pain. I've had bowel cancer. I know pain. I can understand why people would be in favour of assisted suicide. I still have a lot of problems with making it legal, and making sure that we protect people who are vulnerable who may be taken advantage of, and making sure that unscrupulous professionals ( Dr Harold Shipman) are not able to abuse the system. I do believe that we should make dying a more dignified process, enabling people to stay at home with adequate medical care and pain relief.
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Post by princess consuela on Oct 15, 2014 20:09:52 GMT
I'm a nurse, and from what I've seen, I do not have a problem with the idea of death with dignity. I've seen people at their worst, actively dying, and while they are horribly suffering, their families are also suffering while watching them. I think it's good that she is putting a face to the issue.
A couple people on my Facebook posted a counter opinion article recently, from a Christian perspective of a woman who also had cancer. One part mentioned how you're (Brittany) taking away the chance of others to be with you ... I just wondered how those others would really feel to see so much pain and all at the end, as opposed to someone who could go peacefully.
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Post by snowsilver on Oct 15, 2014 20:15:18 GMT
I'm really hoping that the horror stories of the agonizing death are overstated. My very much loved SIL has glioblastoma and has virtually no chance of beating it (no one does except a few miracle cases). This is the exact brain cancer that Brittany has.
I know she will not chose to take her own life. She will suffer through it. I'm hoping that it will not be as dreadful for her as it is being depicted. The agonizing death Brittany says she has been told she can look forward to is NOT what my SIL's doctors are telling her. It will not be pleasant, but it will be bearable with the correct medications. At least that is what she is being told.
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Post by Cupcake on Oct 15, 2014 20:17:18 GMT
My best friend lost her husband to this same cancer just a year ago this week. I had known him since I was a teen myself (I introduced them) and it hit me hard. Watching him suffer was a fate I wouldn't wish upon anyone. I hope Brittany is able to pass peacefully surrounded by friends, family and love.
Lisa B.
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J u l e e
Drama Llama
Posts: 6,531
Location: Cincinnati
Jun 28, 2014 2:50:47 GMT
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Post by J u l e e on Oct 15, 2014 20:29:28 GMT
I'm a Christ-follower. And I respect everyone's right to make choices for her own life. They may not be choices I would make. But I don't get to make choices for anyone else, and no one else gets to make choices for me. And I haven't been given the authority to judge anyone for her choices either. Not my job.
I live with chronic pain - though it sounds like it's nothing close to what is experienced with this disease. When I have been at my worse, and like that for days, I've been stretched to the point where I understand why some people fling themselves off bridges. Seriously. Suffering is personal. Like grief. We can't tell another person how to do it. Everyone has their own level of what she can bear. Faith plays into that. Beliefs and values play into that. And all of that is different for everyone. Which is why we make different choices in the first place.
I don't think I could do it. I don't like that she's doing it. Those are just opinions. But I absolutely understand it. And I am glad she feels peace and dignity in her situation.
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Post by moveablefeast on Oct 15, 2014 20:40:58 GMT
I pray God welcome her with open arms and as little suffering as possible.
God's capacity for mercy extends far beyond our capacity to understand it.
I understand wanting to go on your own terms. After watching loved ones suffer with cancer, Alzheimer's, and other terrible ways of dying, I really do.
I wish her family peace. I think that's the only real answer for me.
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Deleted
Posts: 0
May 13, 2024 12:10:21 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Oct 15, 2014 20:43:01 GMT
Thank goodness my God doesn't agree. I could never believe in a god with such little compassion. Ever. Why do you feel the need to make smart ass comments about how she believes and worships? She is just expressing HER opinion about a subject that the op brought up. And if you want to be a smart ass about Gods I damn sure couldn't and wouldn't believe that crazy shit you believe, now how does that feel. Because I don't believe God would want his/her children to suffer. I don't particularly care about what you think about my religion to be honest. I just don't understand why anyone would feel that they HAVE to suffer or face eternal damnation.
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Post by epeanymous on Oct 15, 2014 20:44:58 GMT
I absolutely respect that this is a reasonable decision for her, and I also am pretty confident based on what I have read about her medical and personal situation that the kind of death she is avoiding is a terrible one and that she is a loved, well-supported person who is making that decision rationally.
My religious viewpoints on this would be neither here nor there. FWIW, I am not at all religiously opposed.
I will say that it gives me pause to have had personal relationships with elderly women who felt like they were such a burden on their families and that they felt badly just existing, and that I hope that we can couple support for people like Brittany Maynard with emotional and financial support for people who may feel like they should end things just to avoid burdening people.
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Judy26
Pearl Clutcher
MOTFY Bitchy Nursemaid
Posts: 2,834
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Jun 25, 2014 23:50:38 GMT
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Post by Judy26 on Oct 15, 2014 20:48:51 GMT
My sister's husband passed away from this same brain cancer. It was so very painful and robbed him of all dignity at the end. He was a quiet and proud man. We(his immediate family)were with him constantly until the end and there is no way that this was a comfort to his family. If he had been able to make the same choice as this young woman, I am sure he would have. It would not have been to save himself from pain, but to save his family from having to witness his suffering knowing we could do absolutely nothing to help him. God bless this young woman and all of those suffering from horrendous diseases. Their decisions about how to live and die with dignity are theirs alone and they should not be judged for the choices they make.
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Post by carly on Oct 15, 2014 20:54:49 GMT
Why do you feel the need to make smart ass comments about how she believes and worships? She is just expressing HER opinion about a subject that the op brought up. And if you want to be a smart ass about Gods I damn sure couldn't and wouldn't believe that crazy shit you believe, now how does that feel. Because I don't believe God would want his/her children to suffer. I don't particularly care about what you think about my religion to be honest. I just don't understand why anyone would feel that they HAVE to suffer or face eternal damnation. You know what I absolutely agree with you about assisted death. I should not have been harsh and ugly about your religion I do sincerely mean I am sorry. But it's just the way some people are picked on for how they feel because someone else doesn't agree with them.
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Post by melanell on Oct 15, 2014 20:57:22 GMT
I am so very sorry, Elise. I pray that your SIL's medical care will make her journey from this world much easier. Hugs to you.
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Post by KikiPea on Oct 15, 2014 21:00:33 GMT
I am a Christian and do not see her decision as being any different that a DNR (Is that correct?). To me, it's no different that saying please don't try to bring me back if I start to go. If that is her decision, I think she should be able to follow through.
As a Christian, I do NOT agree with suicide in any other manner. I have seen it twice in my life and it's truly heartbreaking. I believe that these people could have been helped. In a cancer situation where death is inevitable, ending it before things get worse, which it will, is a decision I think the sick should be able to make since we do it for our animals and it is considered the humane thing to do if there is no longer quality of life.
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Post by redshoes on Oct 15, 2014 21:10:03 GMT
I am a Christian and do not see her decision as being any different that a DNR (Is that correct?). To me, it's no different that saying please don't try to bring me back if I start to go. If that is her decision, I think she should be able to follow through. As a Christian, I do NOT agree with suicide in any other manner. I have seen it twice in my life and it's truly heartbreaking. I believe that these people could have been helped. In a cancer situation where death is inevitable, ending it before things get worse, which it will, is a decision I think the sick should be able to make since we do it for our animals and it is considered the humane thing to do if there is no longer quality of life. I don't think taking medication to end one's life is the same as DNR....I think the DNR is for the family and health care workers to know the persons wishes if they are non-responsive, etc. In this case, Brittany will consciously take meds to end her life on her own timetable.
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tduby1
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 2,979
Jun 27, 2014 18:32:45 GMT
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Post by tduby1 on Oct 15, 2014 21:52:32 GMT
I am a Christian. I believe suicide is a sin, one of many sins. I sin every day. If this were me, i would move to where it is legal and do the same. If I am correct, and it is a sin, I would be forgiven as I am of other sins.
My brother believes one can't be forgiven for committing suicide as they would not be alive to ask for forgiveness. He suffers severe depression and this belief has kept him from committing suicide, so I don't argue the point with him, as I am thankful he believes that way. I would be lost without him in my life.
I know other Christians believe that way, too. I do not. I think my only struggle with this decision in this situation would be that it would grieve my brother so much. I believe him believing I lost my eternal salvation would devestate and break him. He is very dear or me and that would make it very hard on me. My DH, kids and I all talked about it when this story broke last week and they agreed with me. I know my parents and other siblings beliefs also are closer to mine.
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kate2kate
Junior Member
Posts: 50
Sept 4, 2014 23:37:11 GMT
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Post by kate2kate on Oct 15, 2014 22:03:35 GMT
I can see how she came to the decision she did. My 40yr husband was diagnosed with the exact same brain tumor. Glioblastoma grade4 . Patients have a 50/50 chance to make it to 15months, and 2-3% chance to make it past 5 years. My husband was treated but died 1 1/2 years ago with treatment. He made it almost exactly 15 months. If there is no treatment like in her case it will be a lot sooner. But it is horrible to watch a loved one die this way. There really is no hope from the day diagnosis. Doctors will always say there is some percentage that makes it past 5 years so there is hope. If I had a way to choose I would do exactly what she is doing for so many reasons. I have a 11yr old son who was 9 at the time my husband death. If it were me (and I do have a brain tumor too, but doing well) I would choose to end it without treatment. All the treatment does in her and my husband situation is prolong the inevitable. To much cancer in younger people now a days.
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janeliz
Drama Llama
I'm the Wiz and nobody beats me.
Posts: 5,633
Jun 26, 2014 14:35:07 GMT
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Post by janeliz on Oct 15, 2014 22:19:29 GMT
The story is just heart shattering to me. She is an amazingly strong woman.
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teddyw
Drama Llama
Posts: 6,839
Jun 29, 2014 1:56:04 GMT
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Post by teddyw on Oct 15, 2014 22:56:00 GMT
I thought it was interesting that the website says a majority of the people who get the prescription don't actually follow through. It's the comfort of knowing that they have the option.
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Post by nightnurse on Oct 15, 2014 22:59:09 GMT
I pray God welcome her with open arms and as little suffering as possible. God's capacity for mercy extends far beyond our capacity to understand it. I understand wanting to go on your own terms. After watching loved ones suffer with cancer, Alzheimer's, and other terrible ways of dying, I really do. I wish her family peace. I think that's the only real answer for me. Moveablefeast-I just want to say that I am an atheist and I can often read something offensive in most religious posts, even when they aren't meant that way. I find things like "I pray she sees the light" so smug and condescending, even though I realize it's not meant to be. But in the few years I was at 2peas and now here, I have NEVER found a single thing in your posts that I could read anything offensive into. You have a beautiful way with words and a truly loving and generous heart. You are what a Christian should be, a shining light in a sometimes dark world. You bring a great perspective to the boards and I always look forward to seeing your opinions. Thank you. And as a nurse (and now nurse practitioner) with 15 years experience, I have been at far too many bedsides during the days, weeks and sometimes months of suffering that can surround death. I have seen people young and old die at peace, in comfort, with dignity. And I have seen people of all ages die with regret, or in fear, or in pain, or vomiting intractably or any number of other ways of suffering. It's one thing to be there at the end, and hold someone's hand while he slips away. It's another to be there when that same person is still fully aware of his pain, his nausea, his fear, and the meds can't help. I think that in terminal cases, a person should absolutely have the right to opt out of all that horror. I think it's incredibly selfish of family to believe the dying person owes them more time, time that can involve so much suffering. Each person should be able to make that choice for him- or herself.
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Post by eversograceful1 on Oct 15, 2014 23:33:58 GMT
My DH is adamant that I am to move him to one of the 5 states this is legal. He fears that he'll get Alzheimer's one day.
I'm not sure how I feel about it all but I am glad she has the choice.
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Post by tanyab on Oct 15, 2014 23:39:59 GMT
I totally get it and would do the same if in her situation. I wouldn't want my family to remember me as a sick, lifeless woman. This way she goes out her own way, not cancer's. This story just breaks my heart!
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Post by gmcwife1 on Oct 15, 2014 23:40:05 GMT
I am captivated by the story of Brittany Maynard, the 29 year old with terminal brain cancer who is planning her assisted suicide. If you haven't seen it yet, here is a really compelling video that tells her story. VideoJust curious to know what others think about her situation. I knew someone from my public and early high school days who died of the same cancer a few years ago. His wife chronicled his illness on Caring Bridge and from what I read, it was a terrible way to die. I can't help but think that I would do the same thing as her, and yet I wonder if I would have the courage to go through with it - or would I keep clinging to the hope that tomorrow might be better than today, until I reach the point that I'm incapacitated and my window of opportunity has slipped by, so to speak? At any rate, I think the option should be open to everyone, everywhere. We lost our dog trainer to brain cancer last year. The pain of her final day still haunts me
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Post by gmcwife1 on Oct 15, 2014 23:53:07 GMT
I can see how she came to the decision she did. My 40yr husband was diagnosed with the exact same brain tumor. Glioblastoma grade4 . Patients have a 50/50 chance to make it to 15months, and 2-3% chance to make it past 5 years. My husband was treated but died 1 1/2 years ago with treatment. He made it almost exactly 15 months. If there is no treatment like in her case it will be a lot sooner. But it is horrible to watch a loved one die this way. There really is no hope from the day diagnosis. Doctors will always say there is some percentage that makes it past 5 years so there is hope. I'm sorry for the loss of your husband
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Post by tlsmi on Oct 15, 2014 23:53:53 GMT
My Mom died of endometrial cancer that spread to her bones. The cancer came 'outside of her body' as in massive weeping lesions. The pain and her skin burning...it was horrific. In the end hospice basically overdosed her on morphine (that is what they did as they walked us through what was happening) and her organs shut down. This seemed to me to be, in essence, assisted suicide in many ways and I will tell you something, I know my beautiful Mom welcomed relief from her pain as did all of us watching her suffer.
Don't misunderstand, the hospice workers were angels on earth and every cent people wanted to spend on flowers we kindly requested to give donations to hospice.
Whether by our own hand or someone else's, I respect Brittany and her decision. Peace and love to her and her family.
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Post by pierogi on Oct 16, 2014 0:08:53 GMT
My Mom died of endometrial cancer that spread to her bones. The cancer came 'outside of her body' as in massive weeping lesions. The pain and her skin burning...it was horrific. In the end hospice basically overdosed her on morphine (that is what they did as they walked us through what was happening) and her organs shut down. This seemed to me to be, in essence, assisted suicide in many ways and I will tell you something, I know my beautiful Mom welcomed relief from her pain as did all of us watching her suffer. Don't misunderstand, the hospice workers were angels on earth and every cent people wanted to spend on flowers we kindly requested to give donations to hospice. Whether by our own hand or someone else's, I respect Brittany and her decision. Peace and love to her and her family. Hugs to you and your family. My Dad had home hospice before he died. Thank god for hospice and the wonderful nurses and doctors who soften the horrible blow of death.
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Post by melanell on Oct 16, 2014 0:18:32 GMT
While this is technically suicide, I see it as something very different than typical suicide.
Because I do not believe this woman would have chosen death if life was an option. She didn't choose to die. That choice was handed to her and that is her only choice. But this allows her to decide how she will die.
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Deleted
Posts: 0
May 13, 2024 12:10:21 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Oct 16, 2014 0:20:23 GMT
I hope this gives her and her family peace.
I'm so glad my state sees the value in letting people die with dignity on their own terms.
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Post by redshoes on Oct 16, 2014 0:45:26 GMT
Why do you feel the need to make smart ass comments about how she believes and worships? She is just expressing HER opinion about a subject that the op brought up. And if you want to be a smart ass about Gods I damn sure couldn't and wouldn't believe that crazy shit you believe, now how does that feel. Because I don't believe God would want his/her children to suffer. I don't particularly care about what you think about my religion to be honest. I just don't understand why anyone would feel that they HAVE to suffer or face eternal damnation. Scrappower, I don't know if you're referring to my post, but I never said that I believe she would face eternal damnation for her choices and it was certainly not my intent to indicate that I think she should suffer. I don't believe God wants people to suffer either. I truly hope that she has the utmost peace and comfort in her final days.
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