Final Victory Book

While most of us hope our death will be peaceful and painless, it's unlikely we'll be so blessed--unless we plan ahead. So warns Dr. Thomas Preston in this straightforward, clearly written handbook on how you and your family can avoid the traumatic suffering of a death gone awry. According to Preston, a physician with over 40 years of experience with terminal patients and a nationally known patients' rights advocate, statistics show that over 80 percent of all terminal patients die in medical facilities--often slowly, in pain, and far from tranquilly. "Modern technology unnaturally and quietly alters the processes of our dying, and for most of us this means dying later in life in different, unnatural ways," Preston writes. "The sooner you lay out your course for the way you want to die, or, more particularly perhaps, the ways you don't want to die, the better chance you¹ll have of getting your way." Divided into three comprehensive sections, the book focuses on key decision points in the dying process--before you get sick, after diagnosis, and the terminal phase. Preston offers humane, practical advice on such sticky subjects as how to talk to your friends and family about your choices, how to evaluate a diagnosis, options for assisted dying, and choices for managing pain and emotional distress in the last phases of life. Because he's a doctor, Preston provides invaluable insight on how to evaluate, understand, and talk to physicians, who are key partners in realizing your end-of-life goals. He also includes cogent advice on the preparation of a living will and a durable power of attorney--indispensable legal documents for anyone who wishes to control the dying process. --Marianne PainterRead More