Mike was sick for much of the last three and a half years of his life. There were some good months. Many, actually, and much hope. But, in the end, esophageal cancer usually wins, especially if one isn’t a candidate for an esophagectomy.

Mike wasn’t.

Last September or October, I happened to see the word ‘palliative’ on his chemo order. We thought more chemo meant more cure. I tracked down his doctor, who kindly told me they were “keeping him comfortable.”

More chemo really meant more sickness, in the end. And less quality of life. 

Why make him sick when he's dying?