Around 10:45 on the morning of Feb. 25, Lee Goguen asked her father if he had any last requests.
The death that was coming to 70-year-old Gerald Goguen was the death he had chosen weeks in advance and his wife of 41 years had chosen to go with him.
Diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2008, Gerald’s health had started to deteriorate sharply in the months leading up to Christmas. Coby Goguen, 62, also had cancer that had spread and eaten into her bones. Both were racked with pain and wanted out.
Lee said she wanted to see her parents relieved of their suffering and was grateful they had the option to end their lives on their own terms.
Basic human right.
My friend with muscular dystrophy did this in Australia. It all seemed very peaceful and humane.
My father had a stroke and heart attack while working. He was brain dead and there was nothing the hospital could do for him. He was taken off life support, and I watched him die for like 6 hours.
It continues to haunt me after years of therapy. I wish the U.S. had the ability to let people die peacefully rather than watch them die in agonizing pain.
Assuming he was brain dead, at least he probably didn’t consciously experience that pain, in spite of whatever involuntary bodily spasms he might’ve made on life support. The man you knew died painlessly at least, and I hope that brings you some peace.
In Canada doctors are obligated to give you the options in cases of terminal illness: Palliative in hospital or home, or MAID.
My father had … a lot of issues. From diabetes to hepatic encephalitis to cancer. But, because catholic he wouldn’t even consider maid.
So, we had him in their home, in the living room, on a hospital bed.
I spent 7 months at my parents home taking care of anything I could.
From the diagnosis to the point he … it was horrible. For everyone.
7 months watching him die.
The pain, the humiliating failures of his body, the desperation, the anger, it all was because god.
And years later, I still get flashes, I need to scream to the sky, I need to cry. I couldn’t even look at a picture of him.
It fucked me up.
It haunts me.
I’m sorry that you had to experience that.
It was shit. I’m sorry and angry my dad had to go through it because religion . but it was his choice. And I guess that’s what it’s all about.
Based on your description, I don’t think your father would have qualified for MAID in its current form - recipients must be able to provide informed consent immediately before receiving medical assistance in dying, with very narrow exceptions.
Oof, both types of cancer are deviating. I wish them the best!
My wife and I agreed when we hit 70 we are taking a bottle of Valium and shooting black tar heroin for the first time. Sucks to be an American but we going out with a bang. I hope we both live long enough to do it together. We won’t be afraid.
If you’re in America and not already 69 I’m not optimistic of your chances of making 70.
Nowhere near it yet. But I’m a survivor. I’ll make it.
Yeah that’s pretty much my plan too.
I’m not going to spend my end of days being ill, in pain, or destitute due to the American healthcare system. No thanks!
Well maybe do heroin once, come down then piece out
Easy to say that till the time comes. Don’t spread negativity its contagious.
Also just because your American doesn’t mean your life and how you choose to live are simply thrown away like trash some things will be out of your control but you can still focus on what you can control to improve. Don’t let negativity consume you all I’m saying.
Speak for yourself.
If I am old and ill and facing economic destitution due to likely being bankrupted by the American healthcare system, I’m ending it.
I’m not crying, you’re crying! 😢 😭 🥲
This is such a beautiful story.
Damn you, onion cutting ninjas!
