I have written about this before. I have a friend and he's been a friend of my families for years. He has colon cancer and lung cancer. He's deaf but reads lips. I've been with him to the doctor's and for chemo before when his famiy could not go. The doctor told him with this kind of cancer they can't cure it, only treat it. So he goes to his doctor visits and chemo treatments. Just recently the chemo made him really sick, made his throat raw inside and out. He couldn't eat or talk and he also got an infection and was sick for about 3 weeks. He talked to his Mom, sister, and nephew and told them he didn't want chemo any more. So his Mom took him to his doctor's and the doctor told her without chemo he would have six weeks to live. I went and visited with him Sunday and talked to him about giving chemo one more try. But he made up his mind. His Mom took him to his doctor's Monday and she called me to tell me they were going to send Hospice out. Now today I talked with my friend and he did not realize that he only had six weeks to live without the chemo. He acted surprised, like he didn't hear that part from his doctor and his family did not make sure he knew this. And I am the one who made him understand that without the chemo, he would only have six weeks. So now he is going to talk with his sister to make sure he knows everything and hopefully rethink his decision. If it was me I would want to know all of it so I could get right with God, take care of my business, and do the things that I wanted to do. I guess my question is, Would you want to know everything or parts? Was I right or wrong in telling him? Sorry so long but I had to vent.
Inside Man
Right or Wrong?
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Guest
As I was reading this thoughts came back to me from school. I went to school to be a sign language interpreter. I took the Texas state test and became a level 1. Since then I have moved out of state and am a stay at home mom. Anyway, the first thing I thought about was the ethics class we took. At first I thought you were going to say that he wanted you to be the interpreter...and I was thinking...no please no!!! lol That puts you in a difficult spot since you are good friends...Thankfully that's not the problem here 
So, as an interpreter (and as a person who is very sensitive to people and their needs) I think you did the right thing. He has a RIGHT to know what is going on in his life. He has a RIGHT to know what condition he is in health wise. It was probably just a simple case of not getting the whole story as is the case so many times in the deaf world. He obviously would not have turned the chemo down had he known that he only had 6 weeks to live. Imagine what he would have thought had the hospice people come in!! And how bad you would have felt later had you not said something to him about it. I think you did the right thing...but now it's time for him to deal with this with his family. If he needs your support be there for him...and I'm sure he will. Just make sure you don't get in between the descions that him and his family make...if you know what I mean. Don't worry yourself over what you did...if nothing else you prolonged his life (and apparently he is greatful for that!).
So, as an interpreter (and as a person who is very sensitive to people and their needs) I think you did the right thing. He has a RIGHT to know what is going on in his life. He has a RIGHT to know what condition he is in health wise. It was probably just a simple case of not getting the whole story as is the case so many times in the deaf world. He obviously would not have turned the chemo down had he known that he only had 6 weeks to live. Imagine what he would have thought had the hospice people come in!! And how bad you would have felt later had you not said something to him about it. I think you did the right thing...but now it's time for him to deal with this with his family. If he needs your support be there for him...and I'm sure he will. Just make sure you don't get in between the descions that him and his family make...if you know what I mean. Don't worry yourself over what you did...if nothing else you prolonged his life (and apparently he is greatful for that!).-
Guest
I believe he's making a wise decision to stop the chemo and is receiving divine guidance. He knows what it's doing to his body and knows in his heart of hearts he needs to stop. Also from a spiritual persepective, who ways he only has 6 weeks?? Did God tell him or did man?? I believe he'll live longer without the chemo. There is much to be learned in this department and I pray that the Lord would impart wisdom and guidance to Him and provide complete and total healing. There is a tea recipe that I distribute to those in need and is known to bring healing to those afflicted with cancer. E-mail me if you want to obtain a copy of the recipe for him. All things are possible for Him that believes!!!