Lisa

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Lisa is a 63-year-old retired neurologist who has suffered for 7 years from cancer which has now metastasized throughout her skeleton.  Although she tried and benefitted temporarily from various treatment including chemotherapy and radiation, she is now in the terminal phase of her disease. Lisa’s doctor has referred to hospice care.  Only patients with a life expectancy of less than six months are eligible for such care.

            Lisa has been almost completely bedridden and experiences constant pain, which becomes especially sharp and severe when she moves.  The only medical treatment available to her at this time is medication, which cannot fully alleviate her pain.  In addition, she suffers from swollen legs, bedsores, poor appetite, nausea and vomiting, impaired vision, incontinence of bowel and general weakness. 

            Lisa is mentally competent and wishes to hasten her death by taking prescribed drugs. Lisa has made three separate requests for the drugs to end her life and for the medical team to provide her and her family with counseling, emotional support and any necessary ancillary assistance at the time she takes the drugs.

*Adapted from http://www.rbs2.com/pas.pdf