Slashdot Mirror
Lessons of a $618,616 Death
theodp writes "Two years after her husband's death, Amanda Bennett examines the costs and complex questions of keeping one man alive. The bills for his seven-year battle with cancer totaled $618,616, almost two-thirds of which was for his final 24 months. No one can say for sure if the treatments helped extend his life, and she's left with a question she still can't answer: When is it time to quit?"
She shouldn't be deciding at all. How the hell is she qualified to discuss such matters? These things need to be left in the hands of experts. The common people have all sorts of crazy ideas when it comes to health care, and it would be a lot better for everyone if the right choices were made for them.
Shutting down free speech with violence isn't fighting fascism. It IS fascism!
so from all this you picked the last sentence to make a joke. How old are you, 10?
If I was in his position, I would have let it go. When the odds of a successful outcome are low, I would consider it a hugely selfish act to blow hundreds of thousands of dollars on my own treatment. If I was really rich, perhaps I would spend more of my own money on a few last ditch attempts and continue the treatment. Even then, when I reach the point that I can no longer be active enough to enjoy simple pleasures outside without assistance, I'd let it go and leave the rest to family or donate to a good cause. I completely fail to understand why anyone should be forced to pay for my personal expenses.
Enjoy life while you can when you are active and healthy. All good things do end. When you are bed ridden and on the way out, let nature take its course.