Technically Alive

I realise this isn't exactly a Friday issue but don't worry about being sympathetic etc, I've had plenty time to get used to it.

He's unconscious/in a coma I presume?

Yeah I think techically unconscious, which I guess isn't quite as bad as in a coma.

This probably doesn't help you at all, R, but I'm relieved that Laura didn't have to go through another year of what she went through in five weeks. The Macmillan nurse told us when the final diagnosis was made that L had a year at the most. L said yes to ?chemo, ?radio and ?experimental treatments, but no, we all knew it would have destroyed her. We would all have had to stay at home and care for her full-time - and it wouldn't even have been "her," the ghost would already have fled, it would simply be down to keeping a body functioning. Things were horrible enough as they were, but I think a year of that would have finished us all off.

Selfish, aren't I? All I'm doing is talking about what effect it would have had on US. I mean, she was the one who had the fucking cancer. Had it been an option, we would probably all have said "yes, just let her go." As it happens she went before such things could be taken into consideration. Quickly and mercifully. Maybe two or three more months, just to say goodbye properly, instead of everything being a blur, as it was, as it still is - but she didn't have to suffer for longer than those five weeks, so I suppose I should be grateful for that.

If he isn't going to recover consciousness, I can see no point in keeping him alive. I can't see who it benefits to keep someone technically alive. I can, however, see that if there is any hope of recovery, you don't give up. Without medical knowledge of your cousin's condition we can't sensibly comment on that.

yes it is a bit hard to pick either way, because if there is any chance your cousin may recover then of course it seems to be the thing to do, to keep trying. but then again, who knows anyway? what is the possibility of brain damage to him if he did regain consciousness after an operation? would he be immobile and perhaps a conscious mind trapped horribly inside, unable to communicate? or is there a hope he may be just fine?
it is hard on families to hang around enduring this drawn-out stuff, i have seen it with a friend and her mum, and when 'the end' finally arrived it was, in all honesty, a relief.
the scarey thing about euthanasia ( if that is what you are implying ) is that there may always linger the question......." what if they recovered and led fully capable lives?"
apparently this has happened, i saw something on tv not so long ago where a woman was wanting to be 'let go' but actually recovered completely somehow. cant recall the details but it does make one wonder, at what point do you say "thats it" ?
your cousin is obviously not enjoying a life as we would describe it,and i know you said no sympathy etc but hey, anyway, i am sorry to hear of this cause it isnt easy.