Tag Archives: cancer

CHOOSE YOUR BEST DEATH

Posted on March 2, 2015 by Amy Getter

I read a blog last December on “cancer being the best way to die” (by Richard Smith, MD.) He achieved resounding cries of “foul” by many for making this statement and also recommending people stop the merry-go-round of aggressive cancer … Continue reading →

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DANCE TO THE BEAT OF YOUR DRUM

Posted on June 4, 2014 by Amy Getter

Some people’s lives are noted for their activism, their ability to inspire all of us.  Not everyone hears the drum in their soul.  And not everyone is recognized in their life as overcoming or possessing a fighting a spirit that can’t be kept down.  … Continue reading →

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LUCKY TO BE ALIVE

Posted on December 8, 2013 by Amy Getter

“Flying the friendly skies” is still a slogan, and as I boarded my flight I thought about Albert Einstein’s most important question to ask. “Is the universe a friendly place?”.  I said to myself, “I hope so”… as I put … Continue reading →

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TO WHIPPLE OR NOT TO WHIPPLE

Posted on September 26, 2013 by Amy Getter

I recently discovered that an acquaintance “has to have a Whipple procedure”.  And I can’t help but think to myself, who says she “has to”? With an average life expectancy of well under a year, I have come to believe … Continue reading →

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THE WEDDING PLANNER

Posted on August 3, 2013 by Amy Getter

I imagine she looks like she is dying now…..no one other than family members are allowed in to see her these final days.  She was a friend a long time ago, and became more distant over the years, as she … Continue reading →

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C IS FOR COURAGE

Posted on October 17, 2012 by Amy Getter

The only difference between me and my patient who is coming to the close of his life, is: I don’t “know” that I’m dying soon, but I, like the rest of humanity, will experience death, too.  I hope to be courageous at the … Continue reading →

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TAKEN BY SURPRISE

Posted on September 28, 2012 by Amy Getter

“Dying is a lot like birthing, even though you expect it; you are still taken by surprise.” I returned from a brief vacation, and as is the case with hospice nurses everywhere I suspect, I looked at my work emails very late … Continue reading →

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Dying with dignity?

Posted on March 14, 2011 by Amy Getter

What a strange phrase, death with dignity. Do we need to say life with dignity? (How many things that we do in life are not dignified, but are still a part of living!) I’m sorry to let people in on … Continue reading →

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