Would you want to know if you were dying?
By winterose
@winterose (39887)
Canada
February 23, 2008 5:39pm CST
Lisette lived across the street from us for years. She was a chain smoker. She got very ill and went to the hospital, the doctor told her she had emphesema he told her to stop smoking before it was too late. She tried but she couldn't stop smoking, she gave in to the addiction once again and found herself back in the hospital. She was very afraid. She was afraid she was going to die and didn't want to.
The doctor told her family that she had about a week to live and the family requested that she die at home with her family. They also did not want to tell her she was dying.
She went home happy telling all her friends that the doctor released her because she was better. She stopped smoking again, but it was too late she died 9 days later.
two questions
1 - would you tell your family member the truth, that they really were dying?
2- would you want to know if you were dying?
please answer both questions and give reasons for best response
4 people like this
9 responses
@stephcjh (38473)
• United States
24 Feb 08
It all depends on the family member. There are some I would tell and there are some I wouldn't. I would tell someone if I knew that is what they would want me to do but I would not tell the other ones if they already had enough pains and struggles and things to deal with in life. I would not want them to spend their last days in total worry. However, I think I would like to know so I can take care of my last minute wishes. We all know we are dying every day but the thing of it is, we just don't know when.
3 people like this
@GardenGerty (160883)
• United States
24 Feb 08
I would want to know if I was dying. I probably would know if I was dying. I am pretty much a realist. I would also tell the family member, because I am a truth teller. I have lived this with family members, three times in the last twelve years. That is just my personality. What about you?
@winterose (39887)
• Canada
24 Feb 08
i would want to know if I was dying, for sure, but I don't know about the family member, my sister hung on until the end and refused to believe she was dying, I just don't know how to answer that question. I think it would all depend upon the situation and of course the family decision, everyone obviously has to be in agreement or it doesn't work.
@danishcanadian (28955)
• Canada
24 Feb 08
I don't think anyone has the right to withhold information from a loved one. I would WANT to know if I was going to die, and I would NOT be able to keep it from someone else, if someone told me they were going to die. I firmly believe that people have a right to know. If someone stated in advance that they did not want to know, then I would not want to be the one told, because I would NOT be able to keep that from them.
1 person likes this
@winterose (39887)
• Canada
24 Feb 08
if they did not want to know and you told you would not be respecting their wishes.
@sarahruthbeth22 (43143)
• United States
24 Feb 08
I would tell a family member the truth because they have the right to know.And I would want to know if I were dying so I could plan things. I don't trust doctors so I wouldn't go to them until it is too late. So I would assume that if I am in the hospital, I am going to die.
1 person likes this
@ayou82 (3450)
• Philippines
24 Feb 08
Well I want to know so then I can get my medications done and I have the time to tell everyone what to expect for the coming days or months.. or even hours.. At least my loved ones have the idea what happening.. And Well we have to face it and not be afraid of it.. as we all go back to ashes..Thats why make every minute count in your life.. never waste opportunity saying to your loved ones how much you love them as you just dont know when is the last day.
1 person likes this
@rashmigs (400)
• Singapore
24 Feb 08
Well, I would want something like this...
1. I would let my family know it - Reason: I dont want them to get a shock all of a sudden. Its better they get prepared for it.
2.I myself want to be well aware of the fact tht i am dying. Reasson: That will help me finish my last minute work if i have any. Also, would want to meet few of the best people aound. So, ?I would plan my last few days, such that they be my best part of my life ;)
1 person likes this
@cripfemme (7698)
• United States
24 Feb 08
I would both tell them and exspect them (no demand) that they tell me the truth about my own condition. I figure that both they and know I have things I want to do if I'm dying (like go to Paris and London, say goodbye to the people I love, try to finish some story ideas I'm very close to.
1 person likes this
@megumiart (3771)
• United States
24 Feb 08
No, I don't reall want to know if I was dying. I don't think I could bear the pain of saying goodbye to everyone I know. :[
1 person likes this
@queenofarms (1659)
• United States
24 Feb 08
Thats a hard one. It would hard on you if you held it back from them. It would be hard but probably would. There maybe something that they want to do before passing.Like telling others bye,making amends with someone etc.....Yes I would. It would be scary but there may be loose ends to tie up. I'd want to tell my family how much I love them.
1 person likes this
