Ashamed: I think about (and plan for) dying. Do you?

My feeling too....I know how hard it was recently for a friend to write her husband's obituary after his sudden passing. When I got the diagnosis I did mine just to save family the trouble of reconstructing my life. Hopefully they will edit the word.doc to say they loved me. ......I didn't mention that. 😀

I'm sure they will! 😉

Good Morning. When my mother past on she left us a letter. Envelope which said to be opened after my death on her dresser. Inside it started “these are the last orders I’m going to give you}. She had planned her whole funeral except the readings. Said we were better at that than she was. How much we could spend on coffin, songs, organist and pallbears. Than she said it was Sunday night and she sat with tears in her eyes but she said dad and her were so proud of us all and couldn’t had asked for better children etc. was the most wonderful gift she could have left us.

How lucky that you received this! Although I know that my parents loved me neither one of them would have ever thought to write something like this.

🙏🏻

Hi- To answer your question, yes, I think about dying. I think that we are set up as humans to think about it. Religions, customs, rites, etc all condition us to. Don't you think?

Yes I think about dying especially when I was first diagnosed with lung cancer. But now that it has been over 4 years and I’m still alive I don’t think about dying as much as living my best life that I can. Did I get my funeral arrangements ready yes I did I don’t want to put the burden on my children and husband. So I’m at peace with it all. I need to write a letter that is a great idea.

After dealing with 'monitoring' a lump they said wasn't cancer (after biopsies) for over 2 years, my pulmonologist's assistant 'felt' that I needed to see a surgeon - who sent me for more biopsies. Turns out it was cancer after all - or so they say. I'm scheduled for surgery March 18th. I took care of some business so that my husband wouldn't have to and made pre-arrangements at the Funeral Home. I don't see anything wrong about that. However, I fully intend to recover and won't live in dread or fear. But, I'm 67 - and ready to go when my time's up, but my goal is to live to the fullest every day that I'm given. (It may be different for younger patients.) Just be encouraged that you're alive and life is generally good. Be good to people you love and do good things that you're proud of. Do what makes you happy and live your life. It's too short to spend it in fear. All the best to you.

@sjones55 Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. I am glad you found us, even though it is perhaps less-than-stellar circumstances, for the moment. You have a lot on your plate the next few days, but I wanted to let you know I will be thinking about you. And hope you will let me know how the surgery turns out for you, okay?
Ginger

Thanks, Ginger. I'll try my best to get back to you soon as I'm able. Blessings!