Talking about death

[PhillipandBettykid]

Did anyone see last night’s BBC programme ‘we need to talk about death’? As someone who was stage 4 and on palliative care from diagnosis, I found it really helpful. It was so positive about palliative care and hospices. Even verified that palliative care can not only improve quality of life but also quantity of life. I must say that is my experience 4 years on from diagnosis. Getting the pain managed and chatting with people in a similar situation (as with this site) really helps. I think the message that I got was that it is important for us to take control of our situations.

[Lindaura]

It is good to hear positive stories like yours.

I myself have a difficult time facing death and prefer to ignore it.

I was stunned when I first heard my diagnosis, but immediately got myself prepared for treatment, not planning to leave the planet too soon.

I am grateful that there is palliative care that gives life, and is not an end point.

Best wishes,

Laura

[PhillipandBettykid in reply to Lindaura]

Keep on keeping on Laura.

[marylondon]

I have recorded the programme but , as a former Palliative care nurse , I am already very positive about the value of palliative care & Hospices and the difference made to quality & quantity of life .

People are afraid of the word palliative but so many conditions eg diabetes , heart disease are palliative as they can’t be cured but can be well controlled & that’s often the case with cancer .

[PhillipandBettykid in reply to marylondon]

You are right about the incurable. I call myself that rather than terminal. There are a lot of incurable conditions that need management. I hope that lessons from cancer palliative care can be passed on.

[luluw]

I thought it was a brilliant and very reassuring programme, to learn that such wonderful end of life care was available.

I would recommend it to everyone here. It's a bit like knowing about treatment options-it helps to know what to discuss and ask for in the future.

Lou xxx

[PhillipandBettykid in reply to luluw]

I agree Lou. I found it so positive.

[bamboo89]

I haven't watched it yet, will do so this evening maybe, but my sister phoned me about it. She said she watched the whole thing and thought of me, calling me a 'wizard' (pretty sure she meant witch!) and telling me I've already done everything and taken the approach they suggest to the bit of life that's left to me, and my inevitable death (I'm Stage 4b, refused chemo, signed up for palliative care services instead, which I've not needed so far and its been a year since surgery). I'm interested to see the programme for myself... but I can't think its anything other than enlightening, comforting and positive.

[Btte]

I haven't watched it yet, but my husband said it's very good so I will watch it. I self referred to my local hospice last year and it helped me through a very black time. I had counselling then attended an 8 week mindfulness course, which I continue to practice most days. For me now it's all about the quality . L A was talking about her 7 years since diagnosis with her 1 a, I will be 7 years this July with stage 3 C Serous Carcinoma Sarcoma. This disease is so individual . Love to you both Bridie

[Hidden]

Thanks for posting this, I noticed it but didn’t watch as thought it may depress me. I’ll give it a go now. Xxx

[ShropshireJo]

I watched the programme via iPlayer and found it very helpful, really positive and enlightening. For me, facing the realities of life and death help me to cope better with my emotions. It is a well balanced, thoughtful, non sensational look into this subject. I also heard some of the original programmes on Radio 4 last year which were interesting.