Dignitas

Thinking of you. I echo what others have said Have you been able to explore other sources of support eg hospice care? A district nurse may have options that you are unaware of. Have you friends and family around you or are you alone? There is obviously a groundswell of support and care for you here. Please keep posting. My best wishes to you.

Farawaygran I’ve no advice to offer but am sending thoughts to you.

FarawayGran I too feel for you, and I fear for my own choices when that time comes.
It could be worth looking at this compassionindying.org.uk/ They are the sister charity of Dignity in Dying (which campaigns for the right to choose) and offers a lot of help, info, advice etc. on planning for the end of life. Wishing you many more years free of pain xxx

FarawayGran I'm so sorry you feel terrified of what your illness might bring.
I hope you can find some good support and peace of mind x

PS, Have you made an advance directive which is also called a living will?

It is quite a simple form to fill out. You keep a copy in your house to take to the hospital sister when you go there, another copy to your solicitor, and another copy to your GP.

The last time I checked Dignitas costs £9,000. It is a scandal that poorer people are denied this end of life facility, in the UK!''

I wish you all the best for your end of life. If and when you go to Switzerland, even if you make the short journey alone, you can be sure there are many many people with you in spirit, and when you arrive you will be taken care of by people who are accustomed to taking care.

In a few states in USA, assisted dying is legal. The Louis Theroux documentary , Altered States, showed us Gus Thomasson who had chosen to end his life, peacefully at home, surrounded by loving family.

The episode, Choosing Death, saw Theroux visit California, one of the seven states in which it’s legal for doctors to prescribe life-ending medication to terminally ill patients. There he met people like Gus Thomasson, a retired respiratory therapist with stage four pancreatic cancer.

www.radiotimes.com/tv/documentaries/louis-theroux-altered-states-euthenasia/

Good luck, FarawayGran. We really need to be more empathetic and allow people the right to die the way they choose.

Our Auntie was terminally ill and was seriously considering Dignitas but changed her mind. She made it very clear in the nursing home she wanted as much medical intervention as possible. She was not afraid and accepted the help and went very peacefully as did my MIL her sister when she was terminally ill.
My heart goes out to you with great respect FarawayGran ?

So sorry FarawayGran to read your post. I can't offer anything more than has been written, but didn't want to scroll past without sending my love and honouring your bravery. My heart goes out to you.

So sorry, FarawayGran, for your sad dilemma. I believe we have the right to choose how and when we die. Nevertheless, I hope you can be reassured by your doctors or the local hospice that you will not die alone and in pain.
I don't know anyone who has chosen Dignitas so I can't help you further except to send my heartfelt good wishes.

I can`t add anthing that hasn`t already been written.
I can though send my love and respect to you FarawayGran.

It is good for everyone to consider how to achieve a good death when the time approaches if that makes sense. I'm afraid I don't know anyone who has gone to Dignitas either.

If pain is your worst fear then a conversation with the hospice is probably your first step.

FarawayGran MawBe said it all, nothing I can add, just thinking of you x

My sincere sympathies too Faraway Gran. I wish I could offer help or useful advice, but you have clearly given this much thought.
It doesn’t have to be an “either/or” though does it? (Extended pain/Dignitas) Macmillan Nurses or other Cancer nurses, Palliative Care nurses or consultants too should be able to perhaps allay your fears and reassure you.
Our local hospice offers counselling, “outpatients” appointments, pain management and support for families amongst other things - or at least they did before Covid.
I wonder if a conversation with someone from a hospice would give you reassurance and down to earth guidance.
Dignitas are expensive as I understand and I also believe you would need someone to accompany you.
It is a brave decision for those who take it, but whether nor not it is the right decision is down to each individual.
Do please try to talk this over dispassionately with someone who knows what they are talking about and whom you trust.

silverlining48

The trouble with dignitas is you have to decide earlier than necessary because you have to be well enough to make the journey and that often means while you are still physically able,

I'm sorry you are in this situation FarawayGran I think Silvetlining is right so I agree with other posters you should look at your options before taking this drastic step. I can understand you feeling scared but I'm sure hospice staff would be able to allay those fears. Have you talked to your family about all this.

The trouble with dignitas is you have to decide earlier than necessary because you have to be well enough to make the journey and that often means while you are still physically able,

I am sorry to hear of your illness.
I have thought that it is something I would consider. A close relative of mine is unwell and it occurred to me that dignitas would be my preferred option. It is not something that is openly discussed for obvious reasons but I do fear the idea of being in pain and being unable to do anything about it.

Good luck. I hope you get what you need to help you through. It’s certainly something I’d consider in some circumstances. We should be able to choose how we leave this life.

It’s my understanding that Dignitas does not have its own premises but uses empty flats and have to move frequently due to complaints from Neighbours,
There doesn’t seem to be much dignity in that.
However I do support the right to choose for ourselves. Just wish we didn’t have to travel abroad to do it,
My best wishes and please talk to someone involved in your treatment as well as family and friends and try not to worry,

I think you are being realistic, farawaygran, that palliative care might not keep you pain free.
Have you contacted Dignitas for information?

I can’t help as I don’t know anyone who has used Dignitas, but I’m so sorry to hear about your illness. Others have given good advice about talking to your medical professionals and your local hospice.
Sending loving thoughts to you

I'm sorry you are in this position. I hope you have a lot more time left. I wonder if there is a hospice doctor or someone you can talk to to find out what they can do for you later on? Knowing what to expect and what your options are might help you feel less fearful of the future.

I'm so sorry Farawaygran.
I too have great respect for you.
I agree with the above advice to have a talk with medical professionals.
Have you spoken to your family about this?
Sending a hug and

My thoughts are with you Farawaygran.... I can only hope that you have lots of time with those close to you.

No, I only heard of one person using it locally. It should be an utterly last resort, please make contact with your local hospice who will be brilliant at talking you through all options, and can provide free counselling for you and for your family. You are not alone.