The Dark Secret

Hi there 👋🏻

We just released our latest video on 7-OH. If you’re curious about the compound that’s been making headlines and want to learn more, check it out here.

Last week was a heavy one. I was managing a case with terminal cancer pain. And here’s a little dark secret about being a pain management pharmacist:

When the case involves terminal cancer or any end of life situation, I have to face the death discussion.

It’s part of the job.

The death discussion isn’t easy because our society doesn’t really prepare us for it. We’re open when it comes to topics like mental health and pain, but when it comes to death, most of us still shy away.

So when the time comes, patients finally have to confront the inevitable that we’ve all been pushing away. All the fears, uncertainties, and feelings of unfairness rise to the surface.

Now add pain management on top of that.

Over the years, I’ve seen many different wishes for end of life care, and most come down to these:

• The patient wants everything done, but the expectations are unrealistic. They don’t fully grasp whether their disease is still curable.

• They want most things done, but their expectations are realistic.

• The patient doesn’t want anything done, but the family wants everything done.

• They want comfort measures only.

You see, the dynamic is not always straightforward because there are so many emotions and options involved. We all hold on to hope in different ways, hoping that something might prolong the time we have after receiving a terminal diagnosis.

Even when we choose comfort measures only, we still hope to truly feel comfortable with the care we receive.

If you’re reading up to this line, I’m glad you are. Facing the inevitable takes courage.

PS: Maybe you should consider a path in pain/ palliative care with all that courage. (jk, but I'm also kind of serious😉)

See you next time,

SP