| John's Story |  |  My wife Suzie and I kept our living wills on file with our doctor, son and at home. Suzie then developed a tumour. It was diagnosed as advanced lung cancer with a life expectancy of up to a year. I brought Suzie home to nurse her myself with support from district nurses and hospice-home nurses. On the doctor's first visit I showed him a copy of Suzie's Living Will and formally asked that when she got to the stage where she could no longer communicate she did not want anything that would prolong her life. The doctor accepted this immediately and said that every stage of medication would be discussed with Suzie (which she was able to do) and with me. Suzie would make the final decision. This was rigorously adhered to and was wholly supported by the nurses who played a major role. Suzie died peacefully in less than 3 months. I can say with great feeling that having a Living Will gave us confidence and made it possible for me to make sure that Suzie's wishes were followed. Everyone, young or old should have a Living Will |
|
