3 ms·
In my experience, the "lying" was not directly that, nor was it even omission. It was simply providing small, though often false, hopes very similar to what her
by scobar 12y ago
In my experience, the "lying" was not directly that, nor was it even omission. It was simply providing small, though often false, hopes very similar to what her oncologist did toward the end of the story telling her to hold off on chemo for one more day. It's a delicate balance the oncologists must deal with as depression is a very real issue, and sometimes their goal is quality of life until the end.
- danieltillett 12y agoThis is not really the doctors choice to make. I guess if the patient does not request the full truth then there might be some justification for lying if they think it will help the patient, but if a patient asks direct to be told everything then they should be told. I certainly want to be told the full truth at all times even if it is bad news.
- scobar 12y agoI agree that the doctor should be honest and clear about the diagnosis. The treatment options, their potential effectiveness, and the rate of decline due to the illness varies enough that it's very difficult for the doctor to offer more than percentages and statistics rather than the definitive answers most patients desire.
- danieltillett 12y agoI wish I could get percentages or statistics out of the doctors I have had to deal with. Whenever I have asked direct questions I get handwaving and I am spoken to like I am an idiot.
- JoeAltmaier 12y agoI can sympathize with a doctor who's told the whole truth, then seen people spiral off into depression, or get a divorce, or run off to Buenos Aires and join a maraca band. Its hard to watch patients do things the doctor may think are sad or wrong or disruptive. If they were a life coach, or a minister, or a spouse, then sure they should be managing hope, keeping the patient positive, working to keep the family functioning. But they're not any of those things. Its not their responsibility nor right to decide how a patient should react, or to manipulate the patient to get a reaction they approve of. Its their responsibility to diagnose, treat and inform. Anything else is hubris. If I'm going to die soon, its my right to make a crappy decision to run off with a prostitute and get blind drunk. Or stay with my family in hospice and pray. Or whatever. My right. No one elses.