Finishing Our Story

Death is the destiny we all share, and this will not change. Yet the way we die, which had remained the same for many generations, has changed drastically in a relatively short time for those in developed countries with access to healthcare. For generations, if people were lucky enough to
reach old age, not having died in infancy or childhood, in childbirth, in war, or by accident, they would take to bed, surrounded by loved ones who cared for them, and fade into death. Most likely, they would have seen their parents and grandparents die the same way, and so this manner of dying
would be familiar: it was part of the natural cycle of life.

Now less than 25 per cent of Americans die at home, having reached much older ages than people would have dreamed of in past generations, often after surviving many illnesses and even diseases that would have been terminal for their grandparents. We are fortunate to live (and die) today, supported
by myriad scientific, medical, and technological advancements, however we also face new problems as a result of the new way in which we die. We can no longer anticipate a peaceful waning at home with family. We know our lives will likely end in hospitals likely after we have endured grueling
treatments to prolong life. We have to decide what decisions we want our loved ones, or care-givers, to make when we cannot choose for ourselves. We have to think about whether in any circumstances we would seek physician-assisted death. We know we face other questions as well, but we may not even
know where to start.

In the face of these decisions, we can feel daunted and afraid. The best remedy is information and planning. In this book, Gregory Eastwood - a physician who has cared for dying patients, served as an ethics consultant, and taught end of life issues to medical and other health profession students -
draws from his substantial experience with patients and families to provide the information that will help us think clearly about the choices and issues we will face at the end of our own lives, and when faced with the deaths of our loved ones.

With sensitivity and profound insight, Eastwood guides us through all the important questions about death and dying in straightforward, clear language, enhanced by real-life stories. Throughout, he shows us how we can take ownership of the way we want to die, when we must die, and feel more in
control as death approaches.

"Death is the destiny we all share, and this will not change. Yet the way we die, which had remained the same for many generations, has changed drastically in a relatively short time for those in developed countries with access to healthcare. For generations, if people were lucky enough to reach old age, not having died in infancy or childhood, in childbirth, in war, or by accident, they would take to bed, surrounded by loved ones who cared for them, and fade into death. Most likely, they would have seen their parents and grandparents die the same way, and so this manner of dying would be familiar: it was part of the natural cycle of life. Now less than 25 per cent of Americans die at home, having reached much older ages than people would have dreamed of in past generations, often after surviving many illnesses and even diseases that would have been terminal for their grandparents. We are fortunate to live (and die) today, supported by myriad scientific, medical, and technological advancements, however we also face new problems as a result of the new way in which we die. We can no longer anticipate a peaceful waning at home with family. We know our lives will likely end in hospitals likely after we have endured grueling treatments to prolong life. We have to decide what decisions we want our loved ones, or care-givers, to make when we cannot choose for ourselves. We have to think about whether in any circumstances we would seek physician-assisted death. We know we face other questions as well, but we may not even know where to start. In the face of these decisions, we can feel daunted and afraid. The best remedy is information and planning. In this book, Gregory Eastwood - a physician who has cared for dying patients, served as an ethics consultant, and taught end of life issues to medical and other health profession students - draws from his substantial experience with patients and families to provide the information that will help us think clearly about the choices and issues we will face at the end of our own lives, and when faced with the deaths of our loved ones. With sensitivity and profound insight, Eastwood guides us through all the important questions about death and dying in straightforward, clear language, enhanced by real-life stories. Throughout, he shows us how we can take ownership of the way we want to die, when we must die, and feel more in control as death approaches. "--

"... the popular audience at which Finishing Our Story is directed will feel more informed and secure regarding the end of life after reading it. The book could also make a valuable teaching tool in courses in medical ethics, the sociology of medicine, and death and dying." -- Michael Cholbi,
Bioethics

"This is a clear and manageable small primer about dying, choosing palliative care and maintaining quality of life, making end of life wishes known to family and friends, understanding the complex role of ethics committees and consultants, and exploring legal physician-assisted death. The stories
and case studies shared are poignant and illustrative. ... The text is informative and compassionate. Although not primarily intended for students, it is accessible to various audiences, from patients and their loved ones to medical professionals. Summing Up: Recommended. Graduate students,
professionals, and general readers." -- E. R. Paterson, Choice

"Most of us are not drawn to reading about end-of-life decisions, an ancient topic but ever timely. Dr. Eastwood�s book helps us down that troubling but unavoidable road. His book is eminently readable, full of medical and psychological insights, and just plain interesting." - Daniel Callahan,
President Emeritus, The Hastings Center

"If you expect to be hit by a bus, this book isn't for you. But you're much, much more likely to die of a disease with a long downhill course, such as heart disease, cancer, or a neurological condition, and so this book really is for you. Gregory Eastwood shows us how we can hope to create our final
chapters, not merely slide into them through ignorance or a sense of loss of control, but with the resources of modern medicine. Being able to do this is a gift."--Margaret P. Battin, Distinguished Professor of Philosophy, University of Utah