No one else should suffer like my wife
WHAT is it that well-meaning people do not understand about the desperate pleas of the terminally ill who have had enough and just wish to be allowed to pass away quickly? They want to be allowed medical assistance so they can hold their loved ones for a last time and then close their eyes, go to sleep and not wake up to the mental suffering they have endured as they slowly die. My wife Carol’s health declined over 20 years as a result of a large, benign, but inoperable cyst on her pancreas (Good Health). She was clear that she didn’t want to die slowly and painfully, and it was important to her that our children didn’t see her suffer. But her death in August was prolonged and painful. I have nothing but praise for the palliative care team who looked after Carol during her final days, but she just wanted to be let go. Yes, it is an injustice that the Government has failed to fund fully vital services for end-of-life care. But a greater injustice is that terminally-ill patients who just want to be released are forced to continue in their desperately unhappy state while their relatives have to watch their suffering day after day.
NEIL CLOUGH, Warminster, Wilts.
MY HUSBAND and I spent the New Year in hospital with Covid. I got better, but he also had prostate cancer that got worse. He didn’t want to go back to hospital, so my son and I looked after him at home with the help of wonderful carers. My husband was in agony and to see him suffer so much was terrible. When he asked if he could be given a pill so he could die, I had to leave the room so he wouldn’t see me cry. When he passed away, it was such a relief for him and the family because he was at peace.
Name and address supplied.
TWO months ago, I was a fit 73-yearold and then a lump appeared in my groin. I have been diagnosed with cancer that has spread to my kidneys, liver and lungs. Nothing can be done. I had never experienced pain like it, but the treatment I am receiving means I am feeling a lot better — for the time being. When the end finally comes, I’m afraid the pain will return and I won’t be able to bear it. Everyone in my position should have a legal right to end their pain. If you had a pet, you wouldn’t let it suffer, but would take it to the vet.