Wayne, aged 67, didn’t have a choice when his wife decided to not prolong her life after breast cancer was diagnosed 10 years ago. Wayne was now faced with a similar choice for himself. His cardiologist instructed him to go the emergency department to have fluid drained from his lung cavity that resulted from recent pneumonia that led to sepsis. … [Read more...] about Life and Death Require Strength and Courage
Millie M.
5 star review on Yelp: "On the morning of July 11, 2018, I took my husband to the ER at Abrazo Arrowhead Campus because he was having severe abdominal pains related to his Stave IV metastatic pancreatic cancer. We sincerely appreciate what Dr. Kevin Haselhorst and the staff did for us that day. The quality of care and the attention my husband … [Read more...] about Millie M.
The Lost Art of “Reassurance Medicine”
Jerry and his wife, Pam, were not “medical people” and wouldn’t be considered high achievers. They seemed to be taking life in stride with a “mom and pop” disposition. Jerry had Alzheimer’s disease and was returned to his care facility after having a pacemaker inserted. The staff noticed Jerry slumped in his chair and called 911. Jerry’s blood … [Read more...] about The Lost Art of “Reassurance Medicine”
Was John McCain Free to Die with Dignity?
Imagine being John McCain and told you have an incurable brain tumor. What thoughts run through your mind? What’s your main priority? How would you want others to treat you? “I don’t know” is the most likely answer. Without question, John McCain served his family and country with distinction and deserved to be treated with dignity. But what … [Read more...] about Was John McCain Free to Die with Dignity?
Paying Long-Term Care Costs Medicare Can’t Cover
Medicare is a federal insurance program that covers certain health care costs for qualified Americans, generally those age 65 and older or those with disabilities. According to survey data from the National Retirement Institute, approximately 90 percent of older Americans are either enrolled in Medicare or plan to sign up for coverage as health … [Read more...] about Paying Long-Term Care Costs Medicare Can’t Cover
R-E-S-P-E-C-T: Find out What It Means from Aretha Franklin’s Vantage
“What you want – Baby, I got it” were the lyrics that showcased Aretha Franklin’s famed life and virtuous death. Like a song that becomes an anthem, her life had a resounding impact on others. “We’re goin' ridin' on the freeway of love,” was Aretha’s invitation to this gay, white boy to join her in solidarity. Her use of the universal language of … [Read more...] about R-E-S-P-E-C-T: Find out What It Means from Aretha Franklin’s Vantage
Begin Advance Care Planning with Strategic Aging in Mind
At 90, Ben appeared to be complacent with age and content having others tell him what to do. Every morning Ben experienced transient vertigo while getting out of bed. He happened to tell his visiting nurse about it and she detected an irregularity to his heartbeat and elevated blood pressure. She recommended Ben go to the emergency … [Read more...] about Begin Advance Care Planning with Strategic Aging in Mind
Be Willing to Fail Patients
“I remember you,” said Gracie with the look of having found a long-lost friend. “You gave my husband the option to be treated aggressively in the hospital or return home with palliative care. He chose to go home.” I hesitated to ask, “How did he do?” Gracie went on to say that her husband had passed in the last month, yet lived nine months … [Read more...] about Be Willing to Fail Patients