Analysis Of Atul Gawande s Being Mortal - 854 Words

Family Matters The relationships that are created with others define who we are as individuals, but the relationships we form with our family are unparalleled to that of any other. Family members are the people we count on in times of need and help make decisions that are in our best interest. Atul Gawande’s Being Mortal focuses on patients and their end of life care. On a visit to Lou Sanders, Gawande asked, â€Å"What makes life worth living to you?† and Lou hesitated before answering, â€Å"I have moments when I would say I think it’s time, maybe one of the days when I was at a low point†¦Ã¢â‚¬  As people near death, they have this innate fear of dying where they may want to have every intervention possible. However, patients nearing the end of their life due to medical issues often have clouded judgment and may not be in a position to determine what step they want to take next or may even be a minor, legally unable to make decisions. In any case, family members or a guardian of the patient should be responsible for making end of life decisions for the patient. Cancer is a disease no one ever wants to have, let alone stage IV cancer. The National Cancer Institute classifies stage IV metastatic cancer as cancer that has spread to distant tissues or organs. Stage IV lung cancer patients, as described by the American Cancer Society, have a low prognosis and a five-year relative survival rate of one percent after diagnosis. Gawande shares the story of Sara Thomas Monopoli, age 34,Show MoreRelatedAnalysis Of Atul Gawande s Being Mortal1211 Words   |  5 Pagesthe prospect of death with patients. In Atul Gawande’s Being Mortal, Gawande delves into what really matters as life comes to an end, new ways of helping the elderly enjoy their waning days, and the role of doctors and medicine in curing diseases and dealing with patients. Sheri Fink, a reporter for the New York Times, reviewed this book on November 6, 2014 for The New York Times Sunday Book Review in â€Å"Atul Gawande’s ‘Being Mortal’†. She thinks Being Mortal is a â€Å"valuable contribution to the growing