I just read a Jeff Childers C&C on two separate, interestingly, but ironic stories about ‘death’ and ‘dying.’ One was concerning a physician, Dr. Bruce Wilkoff, whose specialty is preventing sudden cardiac death by inserting AICDs (defibrillators).He has recently been diagnosed with stage 4 turbo pancreatic cancer.
The second story was about professor of cancer biology at the Vanderbilt School of Medicine, Albert Reynolds, PhD, 66, who died suddenly and unexpectedly at his Nashville home.
I found these two individual stories to be ironic because the cancer specialist died suddenly, while the sudden death specialist is dying from cancer. Additionally Dr. Wilkoff had an interview with Dr. Eric Topel, in which he expressed gratitude for not dying suddenly, as he has been given time to reflect and cement his legacy, which is substantial.
My first thought after reading what Dr. Wilkoff’s said, is whether or not he has ever known or even has heard about what actually happens when someone dies from pancreatic cancer. I know one person who died of such, and it is a horrible way to die.
In contradistinction, I do not obviously know anyone who has died suddenly … as they are dead. While I cannot be one-hundred percent sure that they did not experience severe pain, I can be sure that any pain that they might have had was extremely short. (I do have experience with sudden death individuals who were promptly resuscitated, and none of them related any remembered pain prior to their episode or their resuscitation.)
Upon further reflection it seems to me that a slow drawn out death might be helpful to those who must deal with the deceased post-mortem bills, estate, etc., as there has been plenty of time for planning. However, sudden death is better for the individual, as long as that individual is ready to meet his/her maker.
If I were to be given such a choice, a slow painful death from cancer which is what is going to happen with Dr. Wilkoff … “No! Not me!”
Sudden death like what happened to Albert Reynolds … “bring it on!”
11/30/23