Hello. My father who is 81 has had some initial tests but doesn’t want to go forward to have the biopsy needed for diagnosis. He is already in severe pain. The family would like him to have a treatment already offered to reduce the pain but this has been rejected so far. I think could be a case of denial or lack of knowledge due to memory issues. We are assuming that without treatment the pain and complications will become unmanageable at some point. Even if surgery is refused is a diagnosis needed for any further other treatment? Any advice gratefully received to help in overcoming this apparent denial. We have Power of Attorney available to us but not sure what to do as we can’t force some one to have a biopsy against their will. Give that the pain is so severe we feel really don’t feel comfortable waiting for a change of heart on this esp as the treatment offered so far would help the pain and probably memory issues also.
Thank you in advance for any suggestions of approaches that might help.
Hi AppleTree
Strangely enough talking to my sister the other day and her husband had been through initial tests and the doctors wanted to do biopsy, however he decided against this on the basis that given his other issues that he felt is was unlikely he could be offered or could withstand any treatment.
Some people prefer to experience the pain too since it can help them feel alive but I would be surprised if it were not available.
<<hugs>>
Steve
