LDS Oregon Oncologist Speaks of the Tragedy of Physician-Assisted Suicide
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Cresley WalkerNovember 11, 2014
My father worked for the LDS church and died 2 years after receiving his diagnosis of GM in 1996. He always had hope for a cure and underwent the treatments prescribed. He was a gentle man but toward the end the disease caused him to become violent and he had to be restrained, My last memory of him was him flailing against his care givers as he writhed in agony,seeing this violence caused me to ponder the difference between prolonging life and prolonging death. On 9/11/2001, I had a vision of God's hands holding up the WTC and observed some people jumping to meet their creator, they were given a choice of how to experience the end of mortality: burning, asphyxiation, being crushed or jumping.
Barbara van KuikenNovember 9, 2014
Life is not only sacred, but it is a place where we are meant to be tested and tried and to learn from our experiences. That means that we don't just hang around for the fun experiences and then quit if it isn't fun anymore, but we also stick around to learn from our challenging experiences. Whether an individual would have lived 40 more years or 4 days, suicide is wrong partly because it short circuits the lessons the individual learns from working through their specific trials. I have known people who have gained so much depth of character, spirituality, patience, and faith from enduring to the end. In addition, suicide robs caregivers from their opportunity to become more compassionate, giving, service-oriented and Christlike. All experiences can be for our good if we allow God to make the decisions and give ourselves the opportunities to learn everything we can from the paths that we are given on earth...but to do that, we cannot quit before we have experienced all we were sent to experience, run the race, finished the fight and endured to the end.
Pamela BrayNovember 9, 2014
Thank you for your article. I greatly enjoyed reading it. It certainly change my perspective.
MarkNovember 8, 2014
While I do enjoy your praise of life and the many wonderful stories of people who have been able to be healed and restored from their cancer, I take concern over denouncing others in their choices of whether to accept assisted suicide or not. This goes back to the basic fundamental, "unwritten", rule of picturing others in their shoes. We have no idea what they've gone through, what kind of behavioral or cultural background they've grown up in, or the amount of pain they're getting. I'm all for trying out every option when it comes to cancer: chemotherapy, cancer pills, church and society support, and radio-logical treatments. I think people with terminal diagnoses "should" seek out every single option they possibly can. Try everything and anything. But, there comes a point, for some, when they've tried everything, prayed for everything, given everything to fight their disease, and they know what their fate is. It is these people who I feel have a right in choosing to accept medically assisted suicide, surrounding, hopefully, by friends, family, and loved ones. So I call people who fight cancer and live heroes. I also call those who have given their souls in fighting it, and choose to "die with dignity" heroes. I can't stand on solid ground and dictate who should choose this or that. That's not my right. That's the beauty of a thing called agency. People can choose. I sincerely hope that people with cancer will be given the strength to survive and live great lives. But, for those who aren't so lucky, I hope you do whatever you feel like will make you happy in the end :). Thanks for your article!
James StantonNovember 7, 2014
My wife passed away in September from brain cancer. It was a year and 2 days from the time that we learned about her cancer. Knowing that her cancer was terminal we made several family memories in that year. It gave us the opportunity to serve her as she had served us for over 30 years. Knowing that she was going to die wasn't always easy, but as a family we were grateful for each day we had with her. It was a blessing to our family to spend that year with her knowing that her time would soon come to an end.
joyceNovember 6, 2014
Against all odds and with tremendous medical strides, 2 of my friends exceeded their 12 month lifespan prediction after both being diagnosed with Glioblastoma Multiforme Stage IV. One lived 3 years and one lived 5 years, and both accomplished some amazing things in those time frames that many people can only dream of. And, the one who made it 5 years ended up dying from a blood clot in the lung, a true blessing as she did not have to experience the devastating end stages of GBM. These were both two very powerful inspiring people whose blogs chronicling their infirmities and their faith globally influenced people in a very positive way.
PamelaNovember 6, 2014
My father was given 7 years to live when he married my mother. He was diagnosed with Lymphoma. They were married 40 years. He had diabetes, congestive heart failure, melanoma, was in the hospital every year I was in high school, and other health issues, but he never complained or gave up or even considered suicide. I would not be who I am without his influence and parenting. About 20 years ago, I was diagnosed with an "incurable" thyroid disease. I admit I was hopeless at the time and wondered if I would be able to raise our five young children. I spent a year in bed. With much effort and support, I was able to make it through that difficult and dark time. After that year, I went into the doctor and was told that I didn't have that disease anymore. Had I acted on the initial diagnosis as this young woman did, and followed the trend of Oregon patients, who knows where I'd be today? Thank you for sharing the truth about "terminal" illness and the financial drive that pushes it.
EmmaNovember 5, 2014
Both of my parents have passed away. Both of their deaths were the most sacred and loving experiences I have been part of. They experiences some discomfort. It was inconvenient and out of my comfort zone, but I was so blessed to be there and go through that process with them. I watched with great interest the recent stories of Ms. Maynard. It took my breath away that her family and loved ones did not get to experience the natural dying process with her. She was such a beautiful person. Gone too soon.
Jolyn LaneyNovember 5, 2014
Thank you for your article. It is perfectly worded and explains the wrong that is going on in this world. I can't believe this is happening. :(
Gordon WellsNovember 5, 2014
Having been raised in Oregon, I was saddend, shocked and appalled when Oregon passed the physician-assisted suicide law. I was always taught that Doctors were sworn to save and protect lives, not endanger and end them. If now Doctors are permitted to assist, the next step is a law mandating them to assist, if the patient requestis it. I pray that never happens But it is a sign of the times, and a sad commentary on our society.
David MohrNovember 5, 2014
In 1983 I was given ten years to live by my doctor - if my medical problems were not brought under control. Unfortunately my problems have not been brought under control. But it is now 2014 or 31 years later and I am very much alive. Assisted-suicide is not even an option from my opinion - both from my personal experience and from my religious viewpoint.
Dr. Todd D. StongNovember 5, 2014
I am gratified to read your very well presented rebuttal to that suporting this recent assisted suicide of a young woman. I do hope the Media will give it equal exposure. I had planned to not read your piece since I had already been convince by the other side. Then something impresed me to liste to the othr side. Thank you
Barbara BarcalNovember 5, 2014
Thank You Dr. Stevens for giving us some facts and voice to back up our faith--to live according to God's will and not rely on our own understanding.
Melissa RhodesNovember 5, 2014
Thank goodness some have some common sense!
Diane KunkelNovember 5, 2014
Thank you for sharing this doctor's strong feelings against assisted suicide. This helps me understand eternal truth from worldly error.
BrandonNovember 5, 2014
i understand what the author is suggesting, that society will push assisted suicide (not a good idea). But I think there is a disconnect, the young woman with the brain cancer has terminal brain cancer. My dad just passed away last week from the same type of cancer as this young woman. It is a tough way to go. Our blessing is my dad stayed quite functional to end, and passed quickly. Others are not as fortunate.
Delora Stone SaulsNovember 5, 2014
Great article, Dr. Stephens. It is sad that our society has cheapened life to the degree it has. We see this all the way from the life of the unborn to the disabled, elderly and the ill. We don't value our own importance as children of a loving Heavenly Father who has given us a wonderful gift. Part of our mission here is to be tried and tested. If we cut the test short, it's like putting your name on the test paper, maybe answering a couple of easy questions and then turning the paper in to the teacher. This young woman's story is so sad because the media seems to have made this acceptable. All that has happened here, as you have stated, is that she has cheated her family out of time with her. When others in like circumstances see this as an easy way out, they just may be compromising themselves out of time with family, an extended life if treated,or possible cure.
SandyNovember 5, 2014
By the time my father was diagnosed (by a negligent doctor) with mesothelioma, his body was riddled with cancer. The MRI showed that the cancer had eaten away his ribs. He suffered for months and the doctor kept telling him it was just a muscle spasm. Finally he went for and MRI and we were told that he had two weeks to a month to live. He lasted three weeks in such agony (in spite of heavy pain meds). I was tempted to double or triple his dose of ativan and morphine, but for some reason I held back. 3 days before he passed, my robust, strong father had whittled down to a gaunt and weak being, In retrospect, he died stoically, in intense pain and passed naturally as the cancer overtook his body. As I look back, that pain had strengthened him spiritually and it was the Lord's will. I had no right to interfere with that. My view is narrowly viewed and it grieved me to see my dear father suffer, but I trust in the Lord. I have suffered intense pain as I have had cancer, and 14 major surgeries. Opiates can only do so much. I want to die with dignity and hope that dignity includes doing the Lord's will.
joseph stewartNovember 5, 2014
Thanks to Dr. Ken Stevens for speaking out against suicide! It is a sad world when faith and hope are replaced with discouragement and hopelessness. My heart breaks each time I hear of a suicide. Not only for the individual but for his family and friends. Life is precious! The roses and the trials. Both have purpose and are part of an eternal plan. We must learn to trust in God. He knows what is best for each of us. He is a God of Miracles and they happen every day!
Janet KNovember 5, 2014
Thank you so much for this rational, eye opening, and very informative article. It is clear from my extensive reading that physician-assisted suicide is truly a financial issue for the government and can serve only to increase the loss of hope and number of people who will take their lives.
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