While We're Still Here

A big ol' elephant came into the room: I have avoided this issue because I didn't know how to address it, and I don't have all the answers for the dangerous or toxic relationships in our lives, or how or why we may want to pursue reconciliation. I can say I didn't pursue mending the dangerous relationships in my life. Listen how I got through some of the struggles around that.
Coda Alliance calls their organization "The Consumer Reports of End of Life Conversation Tools". This is a great resource for beginning and engaging people in end of life conversations. https://codaalliance.org
"Give Patients the Death You Would Want". Alex Psirides shares his thoughts in this podcast episode for doctors but I believe for us as well: https://litfl.com/mastering-intensive-care-019-with-alex-psirides/
What is 'Everything'?  thoughts about what patients actually want at the end of life.
"We Need to Talk About Dying" article by Kate Stanton. Yes. We.Do!
https://www.themonthly.com.au/blog/kate-stanton/2016/28/2016/1477612744/we-need-talk-about-dying
Canada's campaign for end of life discussions: https://choosingwiselycanada.org
https://litfl.com/mastering-intensive-care-019-with-alex-psirides/  For doctors: “Give patients the death you would want”. 

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Listen and learn about death doula work: https://whilewerestillhere.com 
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Starting with Episode 56, the episode music was added. It was composed, produced and provided by Kyle Bray specifically for this show. Reach out to me if you want the score. 
The logo artwork was provided by Maddie's Plush Pouch - [email protected]

In this episode we will hear from two physicians on each side of the Medical Aid in Dying option for those with terminal illness. Both have compelling arguments but agree that healthcare has changed, and determining when a person will die is not precise. The American Medical Association believes doctors should be 'life-savers', not 'life-takers'.
 
Take a listen or visit the following websites for information:
lifenews.com
healthcareconsumerrights.org
To hear the interviews yourself, you can go to acamaid.org.

Have questions? Send me a message!

Listen and learn about death doula work: https://whilewerestillhere.com 
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Starting with Episode 56, the episode music was added. It was composed, produced and provided by Kyle Bray specifically for this show. Reach out to me if you want the score. 
The logo artwork was provided by Maddie's Plush Pouch - [email protected]

Caution: The conversation about ending one's life continues. Please proceed carefully.
Why do we want to learn about what other countries are legislating about medical aid in dying? Because their decisions may influence our policy makers and the individuals seeking this option to end their suffering. The notion that one can seek to end their life can seem really heavy--it IS really heavy, and is not to be taken lightly. When someone is reaching the end of their life, especially in light of a terminal illness, the suffering can be too great. The loss of their ability to perform activities of daily living independently can be too much to bear. The controversy of having this choice is polarizing. What is a suffering person to do? Let's learn about how others are handling this very difficult life-changing decision.
https:www.schb.org.uk click on Position Papers, click on Assisted Suicide

Have questions? Send me a message!

Listen and learn about death doula work: https://whilewerestillhere.com 
Reach me at [email protected]

Facebook: While We're Still Here

Starting with Episode 56, the episode music was added. It was composed, produced and provided by Kyle Bray specifically for this show. Reach out to me if you want the score. 
The logo artwork was provided by Maddie's Plush Pouch - [email protected]

Caution: We are diving deep into this topic of medical aid in dying. If you are considering suicide, not medical aid in dying to ease physical suffering, please call 988 to speak with someone.
Listen to the excerpts from the American Public Health Association journal article entitled "Patients' Right to Self-Determination at the End of Life" in 2008. The Oregon Model was enacted first in 1997 but it took 10 years in court, going all the way to the Supreme Court, to become what we now know as the Oregon Death with Dignity Act (DDA).
Dr. Kevorkian, a doctor in the 1980s, wanted to help his patients die. Unfortunately, there was no law in place and his practices were sometimes unethical, and he eventually was convicted of murder in 1987. Since that time, physicians wanting to help their patients carry out their wish to die and end their suffering have had few legal options. That's changing. In 10 U.S. states, patients can legally end their own life.
oregon.gov Death with Dignity Act FAQ
deathwithdignity.org
https://bentley.umich.edu learn more about Dr. Jack Kevorkian

Have questions? Send me a message!

Listen and learn about death doula work: https://whilewerestillhere.com 
Reach me at [email protected]

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Starting with Episode 56, the episode music was added. It was composed, produced and provided by Kyle Bray specifically for this show. Reach out to me if you want the score. 
The logo artwork was provided by Maddie's Plush Pouch - [email protected]

Death with Dignity passed first in the state of Oregon. Ten states now have laws permitting medical aid in dying, or MAID. Several countries have also enacted policies for this. 
This is a hotly debated and controversial topic. It is also a sensitive topic. Proceed with caution as you listen. 

Have questions? Send me a message!

Listen and learn about death doula work: https://whilewerestillhere.com 
Reach me at [email protected]

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Starting with Episode 56, the episode music was added. It was composed, produced and provided by Kyle Bray specifically for this show. Reach out to me if you want the score. 
The logo artwork was provided by Maddie's Plush Pouch - [email protected]

Whether your mother is alive or not, whether you have a good or poor or  no relationship with your mother, hopefully there is someone you can honor this Mother's Day. 

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Listen and learn about death doula work: https://whilewerestillhere.com 
Reach me at [email protected]

Facebook: While We're Still Here

Starting with Episode 56, the episode music was added. It was composed, produced and provided by Kyle Bray specifically for this show. Reach out to me if you want the score. 
The logo artwork was provided by Maddie's Plush Pouch - [email protected]

You may know the Patient's Bill of Rights. The American Journal of Nursing from 1975 lists The Dying Person's Bill of Rights. I list them in this episode. 
Death with Dignity is a law which several states have passed. This gives a terminally ill patient the opportunity to choose their time of death if they meet the criteria set forth by medical professionals and legal parameters.
Stay tuned for an interview I did recently about Medical Assistance In Dying.
In the meantime, we will be reviewing and learning new information about choices available to end suffering.
This is a sensitive and controversial topic. This show's purpose is to inform. Proceed with care.

Reference: American Journal of Nursing, 1975, pg 99. 

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Listen and learn about death doula work: https://whilewerestillhere.com 
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Starting with Episode 56, the episode music was added. It was composed, produced and provided by Kyle Bray specifically for this show. Reach out to me if you want the score. 
The logo artwork was provided by Maddie's Plush Pouch - [email protected]

Seriously, how often do we consider this? How many times have we walked out the door without a thought of whether we actually would return? How many times have you watched someone you love go out for their day and wondered if that was the last time you would see them? My guess is 'not many'.
Tear Alert
Just so you know....

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Listen and learn about death doula work: https://whilewerestillhere.com 
Reach me at [email protected]

Facebook: While We're Still Here

Starting with Episode 56, the episode music was added. It was composed, produced and provided by Kyle Bray specifically for this show. Reach out to me if you want the score. 
The logo artwork was provided by Maddie's Plush Pouch - [email protected]

It's dying that scares me--a bit. The death itself, as I am learning, is rather peaceful as the body dies. My fear comes from not knowing how I will die, who will be around me, and whether I will have said all I want to say to those I care about most.
There is a game out there to help ease my fears, and yours as well.
Coda Alliance, a nonprofit whose motto is "Empowering easier, early, end-of-life conversations", developed GoWish cards.
Listen as I play the game myself.

https://codaalliance.org

Have questions? Send me a message!

Listen and learn about death doula work: https://whilewerestillhere.com 
Reach me at [email protected]

Facebook: While We're Still Here

Starting with Episode 56, the episode music was added. It was composed, produced and provided by Kyle Bray specifically for this show. Reach out to me if you want the score. 
The logo artwork was provided by Maddie's Plush Pouch - [email protected]

Get information on advanced planning, advanced directive, caregiver support and education, and so much more from Doulagivers.com Free Resource Center for Family Caregivers.  Suzanne O'Brien, RN, founded Doulagivers and has educated hundreds of Death Doulas.  She recently announced that she will be holding a 90-minute training workshop for family caregivers.
doulagivers.com

Have questions? Send me a message!

Listen and learn about death doula work: https://whilewerestillhere.com 
Reach me at [email protected]

Facebook: While We're Still Here

Starting with Episode 56, the episode music was added. It was composed, produced and provided by Kyle Bray specifically for this show. Reach out to me if you want the score. 
The logo artwork was provided by Maddie's Plush Pouch - [email protected]