Tag Archives: terminal illness

“Indestructible,” By Ben Byer

Ben Byer chronicled his experience with ALS and his worldwide search for a cure

Ben Byer died of complications from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) on July 3, 2008. He was 37 years old. Ben was diagnosed with the disease nearly six years prior in 2002 at the age of 31. He was an actor … Continue reading

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Nurses Reveal the Last Wishes of the Dying

People who are terminally ill usually have simple last requests that bring them joy

The last wishes of the dying often have one thing in common. They revolve around the simple pleasures in life. Palliative care nurses at the Royal Stoke University Hospital in England say that many of the people who stay at their … Continue reading

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When Pretense Is All That’s Left

For some people who are seriously ill, keeping up appearances is more important than support

Some time ago, a friend told me about an acquaintance whom she hadn’t seen for a long time. The acquaintance had a long history of health challenges, but as far as my friend knew, she was doing well. Then the … Continue reading

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The Meaning of a New Year’s Day When You’re Terminally Ill

Taking stock is different when life is about to end

Today is New Year’s Day, the day when many of us take stock of our lives and make plans for the year to come. For some of us, this involves New Year’s resolutions — promises to ourselves about living better, … Continue reading

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A New Study Finds That Patients Are Using Hospice Care Too Late

Researchers discover that patients may get more benefit from earlier care

If you had a terminal illness, how long would you wait before using hospice care? A new study finds that many terminally ill patients wait far too long to make this decision. Researchers from Yale studied the patterns of hospice … Continue reading

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A Hospital Gown Redesign Empowers Patients Through Fashion

Multiple hospitals are rethinking the classic backless blue smock

If you find yourself wearing a hospital gown, being fashionable is probably going to be pretty low on your list of priorities. Yet the clothes we wear, including utilitarian outfits like hospital gowns, do have an impact on our mood and … Continue reading

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