What do you do when you have less than six months to live?

A road trip would definitely be on my list. What is death with dignity? I would also try what Hezekiah in the Bible (Isaiah 38:4-5) did as well.

I'm sorry to hear that you are at that stage. A road trip cross country sounds like a great meditation. And yes I would take advantage of the MAID program in oregon. My husband and I have discussed this at length. We don't have it in NC and I can't tell you how angry I am to think that some citizens believe they have the right to try and control how others choose their own path to end of life decisions. Do you have friends there who can help and support you? Our backup plan if we can't get to California oregon or Vermont to use MAID is one of the programs in Switzerland. I hope that your trip is safe and helpful.

I'm so sorry that you are in this situation and are at the end of your life. However, I would suggest you just stay home and pray. God decides who dies and when and only he knows for certain when that actually will take place. God is always there for us. You may not die when you think you will. You may recover. God made you and he can fix you. Put it all in God's hands and have faith. If it is your time you will be up in Heaven with former loved ones who have also died and that's not a bad thing. I'll say a prayer for you.
I wish you the best.
PML

My wife suffered horrifically for months at the end of her life. We did not have this option available nor could she travel any longer.

As her spouse who could only watch, even with palliative and hospice care, I say follow your heart and your own mind. Do what you believe is best for yourself. No one else is in your exact shoes.

Just my two cents plain.

Strength, Courage, & Peace

I’m truly sorry for your end of life prognosis, I also agree that you should take whatever journey you want to take, I also agree that it is in God’s hands when your physical life ends, many people have been where you are and lived long past the time that they were given. I saw an interview with Alex Trebek in his final days and he said that he had no fear because he knew that his life would go on long after he was gone, his only regret was the sadness his family would experience, life he said does not end here and there will be many more journeys his soul will go through. I wish you a wonderful and blessed journey and God will continue to be with you, amen.

Thought this might be helpful for anyone interested in MAiD:

There are 11 states and Washington, DC where Medical Aid-in-Dying (MAiD) is a legal procedure. MAiD is an important end of life option for terminally ill Americans.

There are only two states which do not require the patient to be a resident, Oregon and Vermont. Shown below are the jurisdictions where MAiD is available for a qualified terminally ill person.

Oregon, Washington, Montana, Vermont, California, Colorado, Wash. DC, Maine, Hawaii, New Jersey, New Mexico, and Delaware.

I would very carefully check all requirements and residency requirements, as well as liability concerning administration.

@gravity3 thank you for your response. Your reply was the only one without a theistic Response, which I truly appreciate. I am not a religious person, but a critical thinker and base My actions on evidence driven science.

David, thank you for trusting us with this.

I’m so sorry you’re in this place. I’m stage 4 too, so I get the gut-punch of “chemo stopped working.” The weight of that is unreal unless you’re living it.

A bucket list road trip to Portland sounds like a way to take some of your power back. I hope the road gives you what you’re looking for — solace, beauty, moments that are just yours. I’ve thought about death with dignity as an option too. When you hit stage 4, you start asking what control you have left.

You’re not alone in thinking about it. Sending you strength for the miles ahead, whatever you decide. Please keep posting if you can. From one stage 4 to another — I see you

Dear David, I am so sorry to hear about your prognosis. Here in Australia we have what is called Voluntary Assisted Dying available. It is quite a long and complicated process to go through, so I suggest you explore your options as soon as possible. You may decide never to use VAD, but it is good to know that it is there to avoid what can be a cruel and traumatic end. I have ALS, and my lifespan is unpredictable. I have completed all my paperwork, taked with the children about my wishes, and although I am sad that I will not be around for much longer I am at peace with my prognosis and treasuring each day of life. My suggestion - explore your options for assisted death, so you have everything in place when/if you decide to go ahead. In the meantime, go ahead and do whatever will make the rest of your life enjoyable and meaningful. What have you got to lose? Take advantage of every opportunity which comes your way, don't sit at home feeling miserable, connect with your loved ones and friends, live each moment as each moment is precious. I am on the same journey as you, and I truly hope that everything goes well for you. I will be following shortly. @ellu

@ellu thank you for your kind words. It means a lot to hear from like-minded people like yourself. David.