Questions About Being Mortal: Medicine and What Matters in the End

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Answered Questions (16)

What would people think about someone giving this book to a person who may be terminally ill?

Holly Mcgregor I would say that it depends on where the person is on the spectrum of being terminally ill. This book would be fine for one whose disease is terminal …moreI would say that it depends on where the person is on the spectrum of being terminally ill. This book would be fine for one whose disease is terminal but where progression of disease is uncertain and likely to be delayed by palliative treatment. As an example, those living with metastatic breast cancer are terminally ill however these patients are living longer, richer, more meaningful lives even in the face of their disease. As the director of a nonprofit, and having just finished this book, I took a risk and made dying the topic of a weekly lunch discussion. Usually our topics are focused on survivorship but it was Halloween and I took advantage of the timing just to see what would happen. It was one of the best discussions we've ever had. Gawande's Being Mortal is inspiring such discussions. "What are your goals? Where is your "line in the sand" when it comes to deciding how you want to live in your last weeks and months?" Most people do not want to suffer but few have defined what "suffering" means for them. I truly loved this book. I wish I had read it as my father was declining. My sisters and I cared for him intuitively. His passing was gentle and according to his wishes but we never, ever addressed that he was dying.(less)

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Is it about one's right to decide when to die?

Mrs. Danvers It's about what matters as we reach the end of life and what we as individuals, as a community, and as recipients of medical care can do to be sure th…moreIt's about what matters as we reach the end of life and what we as individuals, as a community, and as recipients of medical care can do to be sure that we honor what matters most to the aging and/or dying person. (less)

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For someone who has absolutely no knowledge on the medical profession, and is in her early twenties, is this book worth reading ?

Suzanne GT Yes. Life is capricious. This book will give you a road map to think about your own life and the lives of people you love. The medical system is not d…moreYes. Life is capricious. This book will give you a road map to think about your own life and the lives of people you love. The medical system is not designed to allow patients to live until they die. It is designed to keep them alive until they are not. There is a difference. Read it. You won't be sorry. (less)

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Does anyone have book club questions for this book? I can't find any! Any help or suggestions are appreciated!

Martha I too am leading a book discussion on this next week. Here are some questions I thought of although I think that the discussion could be lively with j…moreI too am leading a book discussion on this next week. Here are some questions I thought of although I think that the discussion could be lively with just the opening question of what did you think?

What do you think the role of the medical profession is at the end of life....to ensure health and survival or "to enable well being"?

Has reading this book changed your thinking about how you will approach the final months or weeks of your own life?

In the book there is a discussion of the meaning of courage. How would you describe courage?(less)

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I have read a review of this book and it seems to be what I need at a time when I am dealing with the issues surrounding an elderly parent. I want to know what I can do to provide him with comfort and quality of life in his final years. Does this book do that?

Margy Houtz Yes yes yes....and be sure to talk and listen to your elderly parent so you can know what "comfort and quality of life in his final years" means to HI…moreYes yes yes....and be sure to talk and listen to your elderly parent so you can know what "comfort and quality of life in his final years" means to HIM!(less)

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