The Right To Know

(1)
There is always an argument concerning whether or not to tell a terminally ill patient the truth about his condition. Many people say that patients with an incurable disease have the right to know the truth. I feel qualified to comment because three days ago we had a memorial service for my husband.


(2)
He was given six to 12 months to live - that was less than two months ago. After the initial shock we made what time he had left count. My husband was only 45 years old and he had never been sick, so getting such news was hard to take.


(3)
Seven of his longtime friends from five states came to visit us. I cannot describe how much that meant to my husband. He accepted his impending death and helped me plan the service. At 42, I wasn't prepared to cope with it, but he gave strength to me and our children, 16 and 21. We did it together.


(4)
I am all for the total honesty. I say, tell your loved one the truth. The chances are that he knows it already. He can read it in the eyes of those he loves and who are caring for him.




Vocabulary
1. Terminally ill patient
2. I feel qualified to comment
3. We made what time he had left count
4. Impending death
5. I am all for total honesty
6. The chances are that he or she knows it already.


Conversational Activity:


[A]
What Do You Think?
(1) If one of your family members had a terminal illness, would you tell him or her the truth?
(2) Do you think it is always better to tell the patient the truth?
(3) If you had just six months to live, what would you do?


[B]
Example Of Answers:
(1) We should always tell a patient about his illness. If he had a terminal disease and his days were numbered, we should let him prepare for his final day. Otherwise, the other people around him will regret having made such a great mistake.
(2) Even if someone had a fatal disease, he shouldn't be told the truth. Unless he has given up hope, there might be a miracle. Sometimes mental strength can overcome physical disease.
(3) If I were diagnosed as terminally ill, I would want to know. I may want to travel, visit friends and relatives, revise my will, and enjoy my remaining time to the fullest.