Endoh’s Dungeon

So, the Singapore-led medical team has a S$3.5 million clinical trial to extend the lives of advanced-stage cancer patients by three months, or possibly more. From what was reported on news, I’m glad that selected patients will be treated free-of-charge in this trial. Any medical operation that can progress from animal-testing to human-testing is good news.

On the other hand, I can’t think of a good answer when I asked myself… what if the extension means also the extension of pain and suffering for another three months? Since I am not a medical professional, I realized the term “advanced stage” can be rather vague. There are quite a variety of symptoms which can be classified under “advanced stage”. Since that’s the case, I can only based my understanding on what was reported, that “doctors do not expect to cure them but to give them a more comfortable survival rate.”

What does an extension of three months means? It can actually mean a lot to those whom have unsettled business before they cross over to the other side. But if I were to put myself in the shoes of an advanced-stage patient, will it make any difference? My answer, is both yes and no.

YES - because I get to cheat death a little while more. Three months can be short, but a lot can be accomplished in three months too. For example, I get extra time to be with my family and beloved friends before I leave and no longer able to see them. If I have any unfinished business, these three months are for me to get it done for the good of myself, and others.

NO - because if it’s 100% certain that I am dying, why prolong my suffering? Worse still, putting me in the position of waiting for death. Especially so if I am one such patient who is suffering from pain even after morphine ingestion, why prolong my life to have me suffer for another three months? Wouldn’t it break the hearts of my family and friends to watch me suffer in pain when they can’t do anything? If that’s the case, I rather be gone with fond memories.

The reason why I thought of this is because, cancer patients and even survivors can attest that when someone get struck with cancer, it affects everyone around the patient. From a medical point of view, of course the patient’s well being is above all else. In the mind of the patient, it’s not necessary so.

While debating this issue, it is always good to remind ourselves that the medical industry is great in its own way. Remember how we often believe AIDS is incurable? Look at how we have advanced. If we looked at this cancer treatment trial, who knows new discoveries midway the trial may offer new perspectives to finally invent a cure for patients even in advanced stage?

It’s strange though, that we put animals to sleep to “reduce sufferings” but for humans, doctors try to extend lives as much as possible. If we know a patient is clearly in unbearable pain, what purpose does it serve to extend his/her life? Would it be better to just let them go, relieving them from their sufferings?

Cruel or not, it’s really hard to tell. I can’t give myself a 100% answer like I’ve said.