Before accusations of death panels, I’ve been observing what goes on around me and I am thinking what I am seeing is financially unfeasible to sustain.
For example, I know a wonderful 77YO man with numerous medical problems subjecting himself to round after round of radiation, chemo and meds with continued deterioration. After the initial treatments, which did not touch the disease, I was quite surprised he continued with more and more treatments. And the physicians continue on with them.
Should there be some kind of limit to the treatment if there is no hope of remission?
our medical system leaves a lot to be desired, obviously. Many surgeons are unwilling to take on the most risky patients, due to age, weight, diagnoses like uncontrolled diabetes or respiratory problems. Transplant lists are very closely scrutinized due to organ shortages to make sure organs go to those most likely to be able to live on. Do those types of restrictions need to be expanded? What are our moral and legal obligations as a society?