Dr Thomas: Your doctors and decision maker need to know what’s really important to you. This information can help you make your own medical decisions, and can help us make sure you get the care that matches your wishes. Let me give you two examples of what I mean.

One of my patients, Mr. Nelson, had very bad cancer. The next treatment he could have tried may have extended his life a few months, but would have made him very sick and he might have needed to spend some time in the hospital. Mr. Nelson told me that being at home with his family was the most important thing to him. He did NOT want to stay in the hospital. Knowing this, we gave him another treatment that was not as strong against the cancer, but allowed him to stay at home. When he could no longer make his own decisions, his family continued to honor his wishes—by keeping him comfortable at home.

Mrs. Santos was another patient of mine. She was in a similar situation with very bad cancer. But she told me that what was most important was to live long enough to see her daughter graduate, even if it meant having to be in the hospital for a while and being uncomfortable. Knowing this, Mrs. Santos and I talked about how there were no guarantees—it might work, it might not work—but that we would move forward with a strong cancer treatment with the hope that we could help her reach her goal.

So...what is most important in your life? Talk about it with your doctors and decision makers. It’s the best way to make sure you get the medical care that is right for you.