Location: Multiple Myeloma Cancer

Discussion: multiple myeloma

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Anonymous		 multiple myeloma
Jun 5 2006, 12:48 AM EDT
I have watched patients suffer unnecessarily for the benefit of the family and their wishes. I know I will never want to go through some of the things my patients have had to endure and that I have had to witness especially towards the end of their lives. Sometimes I think the families don't have a true understanding of the complexity of the illness and all the problems that come along with a patient that is critically ill even though nurses and doctors try to explain it . When is it time to say enough suffering is enough ?? Patient is being kept alive by ventilator, medicine to keep blood pressure up, just about a continuous infusion of blood, remains nonresponsive after two recent CODES----
chest compessions and cardiac meds. The multiple myeloma is stable but everything else is spiraling downward---renal function, platelet count, and H/ H. Help 5  out of 6 found this valuable. Do you?    
Louise
Louise		 RE: multiple myeloma
Jun 5 2006, 1:37 AM EDT
This is a very important question. Patients and their families should be counselled -- separately and together -- so that they can come to an informed decision about what lengths will be taken and when to let go and let the disease run its course.

Are there grief counsellors or hospice cousellors to speak with the family of this particular patient? Sometimes families need to be told that it is okay to let there loved one go -- grief counsellors are an amazing resource during times like this. 2  out of 2 found this valuable. Do you?    
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