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This is Dr. Ira Byock's dream, and he is dedicating his life to making it come true. The longtime director of a hospice in his hometown, and a prominent spokesperson for the hospice movement, Dr. Byock believes that the day is at hand when no pain among the dying will be considered unmanageable. Through the true stories of patients, he shows us that much important emotional work can be accomplished in the final months, weeks, and even days of life. Dying Well brings us to the homes and bedsides of families with whom Dr. Byock has worked, telling stories of love and reconciliation in the face of tragedy, pain, and conflict. It provides a blueprint for families, showing them how to deal with doctors, how to talk to friends and relatives, and how to make the end of life as meaningful and precious as the beginning.… (more)
User reviews
Through the stories of the patients, families and those that are dying that can learn to deal with doctors, how to talk to friends and relatives, and how to make the time towards the end of life meaningful.
I chose this book because I am now in palliative care for metastatic breast cancer; I'm not at that point yet where I need hospice care, but learning as much as I can about the death and dying process helps me to fear it less. I have learned something from every family that I read about in this book. It's a comfort to know that there are things that can be done to ease suffering, especially with pain, right up until the very end.
The hardest story in this book to read, but the most rewarding, was that of 8 year old Michael Merseal, being cared for at home by his dedicated single father, and an equally dedicated hospice team. Michael's story is also featured in the HBO documentary Letting Go: A Hospice Journey. (Dr. Byock is also in this film.) You can watch this 90 minute film for free on You Tube, and I highly recommend it as a companion to this book.
I highly recommend this book to anyone facing a terminal illness, and those who may have to deal with the terminal illness of a family member or friend.
The author is a pioneer in the field of community-wide hospice. The cases he inscribes here, where he assisted, or was a consultant, had
Here in our society, especially if you are poor, or of color, have mental illness, you are at-risk. "You need to just die and make way for younger people who can contribute to society." That is pretty much what our country's attitude to you will be when your time comes.