Asked and Answered


    Communicating with Health Care Providers

    My father’s been diagnosed with cancer and we’re having a hard time getting specific answers. What can we expect for a prognosis?
    Misunderstandings are common when terminal illness and prognosis are discussed. Most people, including some health care providers, are uncomfortable with the subject. Because of this, or because they want to prevent distress, health providers may use vague terms that are open to interpretation. Two people can be using the same words, but be... read more...
    My grandmother has cancer and refuses to discuss the fact that she hasn’t responded to treatment. She tells her physician she’s doing fine and refuses to deal with her situation. How can I deal with that? Should I contact her physician?
    It’s common that people with progressive illnesses want to avoid certain facts. It’s especially common if they’re not responding to treatment or if their health is declining. In your grandmother’s case she may be ignoring her situation because she can’t cope, or she may be saying what she thinks her health care providers want to hear. It can... read more...
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