News, Most cancer doctors avoid saying it's the end. (chemotherapy, time)

[JD59]

CHICAGO (AP) - One look at Eileen Mulligan lying soberly on the exam table and Dr. John Marshall knew the time for the Big Talk had arrived.

He began gently. The chemotherapy is not helping. The cancer is advanced. There are no good options left to try. It would be good to look into hospice care.

Most cancer doctors avoid saying it's the end

[sgresident]

I think if it were me, i would want the truth. maybe not so blatant as to say"you're gonna die" but to explain the situation. I think it would give you time to do some of the things you need to accomplish before the end. Deciding whether or not to discontinue chemo etc. if it is making you sick and just live out your days not feeling like crap. sometimes a person can find inner strength that way. making all of your final days really count.