Tag Archives: Elena Semino

Dying Isn’t Fighting Death

How the words "fighting" and "surviving" can make caregivers and patients feel guilty
Posted on December 28, 2016 by Marissa Abruzzini (Blog Writer, SevenPonds)

How do you describe someone who is lying in a hospital bed, dying? Chances are you’ve heard a nurse, a relative or a close friend tell you that the person is “fighting death.” You might even say it yourself. People with … Continue reading →

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Be Careful with How You Use War Metaphors for Terminally Ill Patients with Cancer

According to language and end-of-life care experts in a recent study, using metaphors, such as “losing your battle” or “battle to be fought,” can have a detrimental effect on the feelings of those dealing with terminal cancer diagnoses
Posted on April 1, 2015 by Zoë Byrne (Editor in Chief, SevenPonds)

According to an article on U.K.’s The Independent’s website, those with expertise in language and end-of-life care are saying that the standard media practice of describing “cancer as a ‘battle to be fought’ are leading to feelings or failure and … Continue reading →

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