PBS: FRONTLINE - Facing Death

PhillieG
PhillieG Member Posts: 4,866 Member
edited March 2014 in Colorectal Cancer #1
I know this is probably a topic that most people do not want to be thinking about right now, but I was wondering if anyone happened to watch this episode of FRONTLINE that aired last night on PBS. I found it to be really good. It dealt with issues that can arise from any number of situations. It wasn't about cancer per se.
-p

Comments

  • maglets
    maglets Member Posts: 2,576 Member
    phil
    I had it my list but I chickened out at the last....

    well truth ????? I forgot....was having a little holiday cheer with a girlfriend instead but honest it was on my radar.

    I really like FRONTLINE and perhaps it will be repeated soon....isn't PBS just the best....I feel so blessed to receive it here in the snowy north....ours comes up from
    Buffalo....

    cheers Philly.....and a turkey hug

    maggie
  • PhillieG
    PhillieG Member Posts: 4,866 Member
    maglets said:

    phil
    I had it my list but I chickened out at the last....

    well truth ????? I forgot....was having a little holiday cheer with a girlfriend instead but honest it was on my radar.

    I really like FRONTLINE and perhaps it will be repeated soon....isn't PBS just the best....I feel so blessed to receive it here in the snowy north....ours comes up from
    Buffalo....

    cheers Philly.....and a turkey hug

    maggie

    Chickened out?
    Do you mean turkeyed out? You can watch it online at the PBS website and you're right, they do often repeat their programming. I don't think I could survive without PBS. I enjoy their shows so much. It's nothing like regular TV...no reality shows or anything like that. I think that's why I like it so much. Not a fan of the "Reality" genre at all.

    Glad you had a good time with your friend. It would not have been the best TV show for having friends over to watch.
    Have a Happy Thanksgiving Maggie
    hugs and stuffing!
    -phil
  • Kerry S
    Kerry S Member Posts: 606 Member
    Good subject
    I think we all think and avoid thinking about our possible death.

    I do think we all need to get our affairs in order for our loved ones. I’ve got that all covered. I have even talked with our real estate agent as to how to sell the farm. I made a special data file for her with info for who would ever buy this place. Where there were small survey pins in the ground for property boundaries, I have put steel fence post in and covered them with white PVC pipe so they can be easily seen.

    As of late, I have played a little with a bucket list. I have also played with a haunting list.

    Yes, there are a few folks I have come across in this world that I intend to haunt the hell out of. If anybody can get away with that, I sure as hell can.

    I have had talks with my grandsons and warned them that if they ever feel a slap on the back of their heads, it will be me saying “cut that crap out”. Same with my sons.

    I have always planned for the worst, but will always fight like hell for the best.

    Kerry
  • Lori-S
    Lori-S Member Posts: 1,277 Member
    Hi Phil
    dang, I meant to watch it and I even checked for it but somehow missed it. I'll watch for a rerun or see if I can catch it online. I have no problem with the death issue. I was a hospice volunter/nurse for 5 years. And, I don't know how some might take this but, I have what I call a death plan. I want to be in charge of how and when I go to whatever degree is possible so, I've taken steps to make sure that I don't put myself or my loved ones through any long drawn out painful situation. I do know that might not go over well with some but, I take great comfort in knowing that I have a say so in this. It also makes the thoughts and worries over death nearly non existent for me. Sorry if I sound negative to some but, I see it as a very positive thing.

    Hope I didn't start something with this post. I know that everyone has their own feelings about death. I've never really had a fear of death. Just a fear of pain and suffering, for myself and for my loved ones. But, with how the chemo is treating me, I may get over that fear before I know it. UGH

    PS: found it online for viewing : http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/facing-death/
  • C Dixon
    C Dixon Member Posts: 201
    I watched some of it.
    It was good. What I came away with is how to find the balance of "fight" and "acceptance". I want to be at peace and I want my family to be at peace. Now, I don't mean I'm ready for that yet by any means, but when the time comes..........

    They were so sick; it was sad.

    I did appreciate the one doc that said that some come back from heroic measures so how do you deny in case your patient is that one. But still, I will just want peace. It's the cycle of life, to be corny.

    Catherine
  • KathiM
    KathiM Member Posts: 8,028 Member
    Thank you for the post....
    Right after I heard those 3 words, I updated my will, named my medical power of attorney, and wrote DNR instructions, as well as talked SERIOUSLY with my family about my advanced directive...

    MY opinion, MY choice is that I do NOT want to live 'trapped' in a non-responsive body....

    I worry for the caregivers, family of the people on the show....THEY, also, need a strong support system, and respite from caring....If you watch it, look at the faces on the wives/girlfriends/sisters/brothers. As much as we love, it's hard to face the frustration and anger shot at us from a person in the midst of the fight, when these patients are released to 'home' without adequate home care...

    I also feel that I have had my 'miracle'. But it came at a cost: both physical (from the rads, chemo, surgeries) and mentally (chemo brain, change in attitude, battles with depression). I don't think that I would be so fortunate, the next time...

    Hugs, Kathi
  • Lori-S
    Lori-S Member Posts: 1,277 Member
    Phil
    After watching this online, it really struck home. I have a son with a severely compromised immune system that has outlived by many many years his prognosis. If anyone every saw the John Travolta movie "Boy in a Plastic Bubble", this is my youngest son. The only hope we've had for him for years now is a bone marrow or stem cell transplant but, we have never been able to get him healthy enough to survive a transplant. When those transplant patients were there in the ICU that had been through it, it just really hit home what we might be in for if we are ever able to get him a transplant. This is my child that has looked up into my eyes as a youngster (4,5,8,10 years old) and asked me "Mom am I going to die today?" To which I always told him "No, not today, you have too many things on your schedule" and I would rattle off for him what his procedures were for the day. Even the many times that he's coded and been brought back, his first response is always a crooked little grin and "Guess you were right, mommy". This was his same response after his most recent stroke a couple of months ago.

    This is also the child that when he'd get so fed up with being sick would yell at me "Why don't you just let me die!" It's been a tough road for him and I know he now so wants to be healthy enough for a transplant that there have been times we have been told that he's chance of surviving it was less than 5% and he's almost ask to do it anyway just because he so wants to be healthy and live an almost normal life.

    It's funny how that program didn't even bring home anything about me for me but, it really did about my son. Thanks Phil, for bringing it up on this thread. I needed to watch it.
  • Nana b
    Nana b Member Posts: 3,030 Member
    Lori-S said:

    Phil
    After watching this online, it really struck home. I have a son with a severely compromised immune system that has outlived by many many years his prognosis. If anyone every saw the John Travolta movie "Boy in a Plastic Bubble", this is my youngest son. The only hope we've had for him for years now is a bone marrow or stem cell transplant but, we have never been able to get him healthy enough to survive a transplant. When those transplant patients were there in the ICU that had been through it, it just really hit home what we might be in for if we are ever able to get him a transplant. This is my child that has looked up into my eyes as a youngster (4,5,8,10 years old) and asked me "Mom am I going to die today?" To which I always told him "No, not today, you have too many things on your schedule" and I would rattle off for him what his procedures were for the day. Even the many times that he's coded and been brought back, his first response is always a crooked little grin and "Guess you were right, mommy". This was his same response after his most recent stroke a couple of months ago.

    This is also the child that when he'd get so fed up with being sick would yell at me "Why don't you just let me die!" It's been a tough road for him and I know he now so wants to be healthy enough for a transplant that there have been times we have been told that he's chance of surviving it was less than 5% and he's almost ask to do it anyway just because he so wants to be healthy and live an almost normal life.

    It's funny how that program didn't even bring home anything about me for me but, it really did about my son. Thanks Phil, for bringing it up on this thread. I needed to watch it.

    Cooking up a storm but
    Cooking up a storm but decided to stop and chime in here. i have not seen the show but plan to.

    Lori, so sorry your son is in such misery and did not get the chance to live a normal life. I know you heart must ache so! I lost my grandson a few years back but he was only 3 months old. He was the first boy in our immediate family. Miss that little boy. He would be age 6 Dec 4.

    Take care!
  • AnneCan
    AnneCan Member Posts: 3,673 Member
    Lori-S said:

    Phil
    After watching this online, it really struck home. I have a son with a severely compromised immune system that has outlived by many many years his prognosis. If anyone every saw the John Travolta movie "Boy in a Plastic Bubble", this is my youngest son. The only hope we've had for him for years now is a bone marrow or stem cell transplant but, we have never been able to get him healthy enough to survive a transplant. When those transplant patients were there in the ICU that had been through it, it just really hit home what we might be in for if we are ever able to get him a transplant. This is my child that has looked up into my eyes as a youngster (4,5,8,10 years old) and asked me "Mom am I going to die today?" To which I always told him "No, not today, you have too many things on your schedule" and I would rattle off for him what his procedures were for the day. Even the many times that he's coded and been brought back, his first response is always a crooked little grin and "Guess you were right, mommy". This was his same response after his most recent stroke a couple of months ago.

    This is also the child that when he'd get so fed up with being sick would yell at me "Why don't you just let me die!" It's been a tough road for him and I know he now so wants to be healthy enough for a transplant that there have been times we have been told that he's chance of surviving it was less than 5% and he's almost ask to do it anyway just because he so wants to be healthy and live an almost normal life.

    It's funny how that program didn't even bring home anything about me for me but, it really did about my son. Thanks Phil, for bringing it up on this thread. I needed to watch it.

    You are a great Mom!
    This must have been incredibly didfficult for you + your family; you have handled it graciously!
  • PhillieG
    PhillieG Member Posts: 4,866 Member
    Lori-S said:

    Phil
    After watching this online, it really struck home. I have a son with a severely compromised immune system that has outlived by many many years his prognosis. If anyone every saw the John Travolta movie "Boy in a Plastic Bubble", this is my youngest son. The only hope we've had for him for years now is a bone marrow or stem cell transplant but, we have never been able to get him healthy enough to survive a transplant. When those transplant patients were there in the ICU that had been through it, it just really hit home what we might be in for if we are ever able to get him a transplant. This is my child that has looked up into my eyes as a youngster (4,5,8,10 years old) and asked me "Mom am I going to die today?" To which I always told him "No, not today, you have too many things on your schedule" and I would rattle off for him what his procedures were for the day. Even the many times that he's coded and been brought back, his first response is always a crooked little grin and "Guess you were right, mommy". This was his same response after his most recent stroke a couple of months ago.

    This is also the child that when he'd get so fed up with being sick would yell at me "Why don't you just let me die!" It's been a tough road for him and I know he now so wants to be healthy enough for a transplant that there have been times we have been told that he's chance of surviving it was less than 5% and he's almost ask to do it anyway just because he so wants to be healthy and live an almost normal life.

    It's funny how that program didn't even bring home anything about me for me but, it really did about my son. Thanks Phil, for bringing it up on this thread. I needed to watch it.

    Lori
    I'm so sorry to hear about your son. I am always amazed at the strength that kids have. I have seen some in my travels for operations and I have so much respect for them. I could not imagine what you and the rest of your family must go through. It must take so much strength from all of you each day. I like your answer about being too busy.

    Right now we are going through a situation with my Mom who is 91 and her kidneys are failing. She does not want dialysis. None of us blame her either, we wouldn't in her situation either. With a child it must be so hard, it is a different situation in many respects.

    Thank you for sharing Lori, I'm glad you were able to get something out of it.
    The best to your son, you, and the rest of your family.
    -phil
  • KathiM
    KathiM Member Posts: 8,028 Member
    Lori-S said:

    Phil
    After watching this online, it really struck home. I have a son with a severely compromised immune system that has outlived by many many years his prognosis. If anyone every saw the John Travolta movie "Boy in a Plastic Bubble", this is my youngest son. The only hope we've had for him for years now is a bone marrow or stem cell transplant but, we have never been able to get him healthy enough to survive a transplant. When those transplant patients were there in the ICU that had been through it, it just really hit home what we might be in for if we are ever able to get him a transplant. This is my child that has looked up into my eyes as a youngster (4,5,8,10 years old) and asked me "Mom am I going to die today?" To which I always told him "No, not today, you have too many things on your schedule" and I would rattle off for him what his procedures were for the day. Even the many times that he's coded and been brought back, his first response is always a crooked little grin and "Guess you were right, mommy". This was his same response after his most recent stroke a couple of months ago.

    This is also the child that when he'd get so fed up with being sick would yell at me "Why don't you just let me die!" It's been a tough road for him and I know he now so wants to be healthy enough for a transplant that there have been times we have been told that he's chance of surviving it was less than 5% and he's almost ask to do it anyway just because he so wants to be healthy and live an almost normal life.

    It's funny how that program didn't even bring home anything about me for me but, it really did about my son. Thanks Phil, for bringing it up on this thread. I needed to watch it.

    I'm sending big hugs....
    It's tough with a child...I struggled with a sick child, as well...

    I left your post for a bit, because it's almost my daughter's birthday, and this is a painful time for me....

    But I wanted to say that I'm there if you need me....whatever you need, dear soul!

    Hugs, Kathi
  • Sundanceh
    Sundanceh Member Posts: 4,392 Member
    Wow!
    Lori,

    Just wanted to thank you for sharing your story about your son - what incredible strength it must take for you all on a daily basis.

    Makes any troubles that I perceive for myself to be so small in comparison.

    Continued strength for you and your family!

    -Craig
  • just4Brooks
    just4Brooks Member Posts: 980 Member
    Kerry S said:

    Good subject
    I think we all think and avoid thinking about our possible death.

    I do think we all need to get our affairs in order for our loved ones. I’ve got that all covered. I have even talked with our real estate agent as to how to sell the farm. I made a special data file for her with info for who would ever buy this place. Where there were small survey pins in the ground for property boundaries, I have put steel fence post in and covered them with white PVC pipe so they can be easily seen.

    As of late, I have played a little with a bucket list. I have also played with a haunting list.

    Yes, there are a few folks I have come across in this world that I intend to haunt the hell out of. If anybody can get away with that, I sure as hell can.

    I have had talks with my grandsons and warned them that if they ever feel a slap on the back of their heads, it will be me saying “cut that crap out”. Same with my sons.

    I have always planned for the worst, but will always fight like hell for the best.

    Kerry

    Kerry
    If you go before me please feel free to stop by and say hello and I'll do the same for you. LOL

    Brooks
  • Kerry S
    Kerry S Member Posts: 606 Member

    Kerry
    If you go before me please feel free to stop by and say hello and I'll do the same for you. LOL

    Brooks

    You got a deal my friend

    Kerry
  • Lori-S
    Lori-S Member Posts: 1,277 Member
    Sundanceh said:

    Wow!
    Lori,

    Just wanted to thank you for sharing your story about your son - what incredible strength it must take for you all on a daily basis.

    Makes any troubles that I perceive for myself to be so small in comparison.

    Continued strength for you and your family!

    -Craig

    Thank you Everyone!
    I didn't mean to put all that out there but, I guess it was just my response to all the transplant failures in the program that really hit me. We all know that until you see it or experience something for yourself, you really don't know what you're getting into. The program made me see what might be in store for my child who has had it so rough already. It really hit me hard.

    I've adapted and learned to cope and don't really think of it that much. You just put one foot in front of the other and do what needs to be done. Same sort of thing we are all doing with the cancer. I do know I can honestly say that this child has taught me more than I could have ever learned on my own. I consider myself fortunate to be his mother.

    We all have our stuff and it's all very real for us and molds us into who we are and who we will become. There are a lot of very strong and courageous people here on this board. I am just one of us.

    Feel the love!
  • AnneCan
    AnneCan Member Posts: 3,673 Member
    Lori-S said:

    Thank you Everyone!
    I didn't mean to put all that out there but, I guess it was just my response to all the transplant failures in the program that really hit me. We all know that until you see it or experience something for yourself, you really don't know what you're getting into. The program made me see what might be in store for my child who has had it so rough already. It really hit me hard.

    I've adapted and learned to cope and don't really think of it that much. You just put one foot in front of the other and do what needs to be done. Same sort of thing we are all doing with the cancer. I do know I can honestly say that this child has taught me more than I could have ever learned on my own. I consider myself fortunate to be his mother.

    We all have our stuff and it's all very real for us and molds us into who we are and who we will become. There are a lot of very strong and courageous people here on this board. I am just one of us.

    Feel the love!

    Don't be sorry
    for what you "put out there". I am full of admiration for you, helping your son throughout his life + how you are dealing with your own diagnosis. I hope for only good things for you + your son (+ the rest of your family).