Mark,
a 43-year-old computer programmer, has been in and out of remission
for a rare form of leukemia for the past 5 years. Mark has a wife
and 3-year-old daughter, and his parents live close by. His treatment
regime has been very difficult and painful. When his disease recently
worsened, his oncologist recommended a new and experimental treatment,
but Mark has decided against treatment. He has discussed this at
length with his wife and his clergyman - and, although saddened,
they respect his wishes. You and your colleagues are meeting with
Mark and his parents to discuss his decision. As you will see, there
is a great deal of disagreement among the members of the healthcare
team.
I really appreciate everything everyone has done, and I know that
my treatment has given me time I might not have had to spend with
my baby daughter. I feel like I'm letting you down....but I've made
my decision. I want to stop treatment and spend the time I have
left with my family.
Mark,
a 43-year-old computer programmer, has been in and out of remission
for a rare form of leukemia for the past 5 years. Mark has a wife
and 3-year-old daughter, and his parents live close by. His treatment
regime has been very difficult and painful. When his disease recently
worsened, his oncologist recommended a new and experimental treatment,
but Mark has decided against treatment. He has discussed this at
length with his wife and his clergyman - and, although saddened,
they respect his wishes. You and your colleagues are meeting with
Mark and his parents to discuss his decision. As you will see, there
is a great deal of disagreement among the members of the healthcare
team. 