[pieceofthepuzzle]

During and early part of training I had a patient who was dying of advanced breast cancer. There was nothing medically available to save her, and she was in a lot of pain. She would drift into unconsciousness from metabolic derangements and high calcium levels - things that I could temporarily fix to bring her ‘back’ to semi-consciousness, but then she was in pain. I talked to the attending oncologist, who happened to be a nun, and said “I don't want to play God by withholding anything”. She said, ‘In some instances you are playing God by pushing futile medical efforts at her’.

That has always stayed with me, and is worth thinking about in all of these cases. Sometimes we should, sometimes we shouldn't. It's not easy and is a decision that should never be taken lightly.

[FourtySeven]

It’s true the Church teaches no one is under obligation to take extraordinary measures to preserve life. The nun you spoke to was correct.

It sounds like, sadly, Mr Kasum is in such a state. It would be best if those who know him best (and don’t stand to gain anything) be the ones to make such a decision now.

It seems the daughter will gain nothing by her father’s death. If that’s true and his wife gains by keeping him alive (I don’t know if that’s the case), then that seems to be the answer right there.