Using the M word When It Comes To Protecting One's Parent(s) or Family

[Guest guest]

 

 

 

In persuading my 80-year-old mother not to have chemo " therapy " , I

also had occasion to communicate with her doctors via telephone and

email. I found it useful to mention the word " malpractice " in my

conversations with them while communicating to them my strong feeling

that an octogenarian with numerous already- existing serious health

problems was NOT a suitable candidate for chemo " therapy. "

 

" Malpractice " is a word that causes even the most deaf and

dunderheaded doctors to suddenly prick up their ears and begin

listening to what one is saying. Or perhaps they still do not listen

to any of what one is saying EXCEPT to the word " malpractice. " That's

ok, too.

 

Here is how to use the word. You NEED to have some other, BETTER, and

WORKABLE plan of treatment in mind, one you believe your parent will

be able to stick with, before using it:

 

" OK, doctor, you think chemo " therapy " is the best way to go. I do

not. I think it is a terrible way to go, but it is my mother's

choice, isn't it? However, I will tell you this: If my mother ends up

suffering badly from your treatment, or if she dies, expect me to

bring a malpractice suit against you. "

 

Best wishes,

 

Elliot