Over the last decade, palliative care has become standard practice in hospitals across the country. Born out of a backlash against the highly medicalized death that had become prevalent in American hospitals, it stresses the relief of pain; thinking realistically about goals; and recognizing that, after a certain point, aggressive treatment may prevent patients from enjoying what life they had left.But Desiree Pardi, a physician who specialised in palliative care, nevertheless spent a decade fighting her cancer aggressively, refusing to prepare for the end. In the end, she lost her battle, but not without doing everything she could to beat it. But it made her rethink her profession, what she told her patients, and how she might be underestimating their ability to live.
I think palliative care is an excellent thing. But this article is a reminder that every person approaches his or her own mortality in a different way--some with fear, some with fire, some with resignation, some with sheer stubborness, among other things. But families, friends, and colleagues should respect the individual's wishes for how to deal with the final days, and strive to make every day meaningful and worthwhile.
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