Do Doctors Over-Treat Dying Patients?

Is it possible that doctors “do too much” for patients who are dying?  This subject is close to my heart because it happened to my brother.  Two specialists were very pushy that he have treatment that he didn’t want to have.

One article suggests that many times it’s the patient who wants the “over care.”  And I’m sure that is sometimes true.  There are people who are reluctant to leave.  I don’t blame them.

Sometimes the family wants every possible medical intervention even though it might not matter in quality or length of life.  I don’t blame them for wanting to keep their loved one longer.

On the other hand, my experience was that the chemotherapy and radiation doctors were quite pushy about providing their treatments–even though it would have not added to the quality of my brother’s life.

And even though it wouldn’t prevent his brain cancer from killing him.  But it would make him have to go for daily treatments for something which would not save him.
And even though he wouldn’t have lived longer than the treatments.

But it sure would co$t a lot.  A WHOLE lot.

I will mention again that both of these cancer treatment specialists were pushy.  It really helps to have an advocate when you’re in the hospital to make sure that your wishes are honored.

I was glad my brother made the decision not to have the treatments.  That made it easier on me.  But I would have made the same choice for myself or for him.

If you are going to die anyway why not have peaceful enjoyment of the end of your life?  Live it while you still can without tubes, drugs, side effects, needles, surgeries and such.

Spend time with your loved ones instead of in doctors’ offices.  And consider using a hospice service.  Hospice made his last weeks much easier than those chemotherapy and radiation doctors would have.