I don’t know what the future holds…
I don’t know what course my cancers will take.
I don’t know what complications and medical crises await me.
I don’t know how fast things will progress.
I don’t know if I’ll lose the mental capacity to make and communicate an informed decision.
I don’t know if I’ll lose the physical capacity to self-administer the life-ending medication.
And, even with the option of medical aid in dying, I still fear being conscious and losing control of what happens to me.
Should I lose such capacity, the best I can do (legally) is to have an Advance Directive (sometimes called a Living Will) that clearly communicates my wishes and grants power of attorney to one or more trusted agents who fully understand and support those wishes.
In a nutshell those wishes are: Do not prolong life. Withdraw all food and water. Do not resuscitate.
Please just let me go in peace.
continue… Death with Dignity: Exceptions