CHOICES

“John”, fifty-eight, was diagnosed with stomach cancer fifteen months ago.  He’s had chemotherapy and other treatments that did not work.  He has been in a slow decline to where now he spends most of his day in bed due to weakness.  Several months ago, he could no longer swallow and a feeding tube was inserted.   The feeding tube became blocked a month ago.  John’s doctor tried to unplug the tubing to no avail.  The only option left was to do nutrition through an IV. 

That worked for just a short while to where now John is becoming totally uncomfortable.  He has decided to stop the IV.  He denied any fears or concerns and is totally at peace about it all. 

John lives with his wife, “Mandy”, who strongly wants to support her husband, but is appropriately struggling with his decision as she knows his life will then be only a few weeks at most.  Mandy was appropriately tearful during the visit.  She spoke so beautifully about her and John’s marriage of thirty-seven years.  She shared how much John has always supported her.  In addition, she spoke of his beautiful character and strengths.  While she was sharing these amazing words about John, a thought came to me, that he too, was likely thinking the same about her.  

I wish them well.  I know John’s choice of stopping the nutrition will be a struggle for all, but hopefully Mandy may also find her peace like John has.

CHOICES

 

Life presents a lot of choices.

Do you want pizza, a burger or a BLT?

Should we fly or take the car?

We are always surrounded by so many options.

 

He was a professional poker player.

He said it is all about the bluff.

Should I fold or play this hand?

What is the best choice for me to do?

 

He’s had stomach cancer for just over a year.

Chemotherapy and treatment were to no avail.

His feeding tube no longer works

so, he’s getting daily nourishment by an IV.

 

He has tried the IV for nutrition for several weeks.

It is starting to make him feel ill.

There are no other options available.

Again, another life choice presents itself.

 

He is ready to let go; to stop the IV.

He is at peace about it all.

“The IV nutrition will extend my life,

but it will also extend my misery”.

 

His quality of life has been slowly disappearing.

He’s thought long and hard about it all.

He is comfortable about his decision.

He’s made his choice.

                    His final choice.