Tag Archives: death on your terms

A RIVER STORY

Posted on February 28, 2017 by Amy Getter

When I open my eyes, I see the river flowing out to the sea, as it continues to do, day after day, regardless of what else the day brings with the sunrise. It brings a sense of permanence that steadies … Continue reading →

Posted in end of life care | Tagged , | 1 Comment

DEATH, NATURALLY

Posted on August 30, 2016 by Amy Getter

  I meet my patient, and think to myself, death by a thousand cuts.  Incremental loss of mobility, independence, then slowly parts and pieces of his body, appendages removed, organs no longer functioning and blood vessels filled with sludge.  I … Continue reading →

Posted in end of life care, the conversation | Tagged , | 3 Comments

TEARS IN HEAVEN

Posted on January 6, 2016 by Amy Getter

I heard many stories later in the evening, while we were sharing remembrances of her, stories of the two of them while they lingered together, of her beloved Henry as he sat smoking his pipe in the far corner of … Continue reading →

Posted in Aid in dying, end of life care | Tagged , , , | 6 Comments

THE “H” WORD

Posted on June 23, 2015 by Amy Getter

Hospice is not the only “H” word I know.  Hospital bed is the other offensive word.  My sweet, amiable 80 year old patient lashed out at me, “I don’t want a hospital bed, don’t talk about it ever again” in … Continue reading →

Posted in advocacy; patient rights; hospice nurse, end of life care | Tagged , | 3 Comments

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 →

Posted in heroic measures, letting go | Tagged , , , , , | 2 Comments

A CEREBRAL DEATH

Posted on February 6, 2014 by Amy Getter

Some symptoms that perplex and challenge the medical professionals that deal with dying patients have terms like “terminal agitation/anxiety” and “spiritual distress” at the end of life.  There are medications to alleviate these symptoms, but not effectively eliminating the tension and angst that … Continue reading →

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MYSTERIOUS TIMING

Posted on October 24, 2013 by Amy Getter

Some years ago I met a couple who did everything together. I remember the man after discovering his partner of 60 years was diagnosed with terminal cancer, said emphatically,  “I’m terminal, too.” Perhaps none of us believed him fully. But … Continue reading →

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THE CONVERSATION

Posted on October 4, 2013 by Amy Getter

It seems that our dinner table is the place for all family levity and includes heavy discussions and lighthearted disagreements.  As we pass around the pasta, we begin pounding out our opinion about a medical study, a friend’s Facebook posting, … 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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A Hospice patient’s Bill of Rights

Posted on September 15, 2013 by Amy Getter

A Hospice patient’s Bill of Rights I have the right to die the way I  choose to. I have the right to all the information about my disease/condition that is collected by my medical team. I have the right to … Continue reading →

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