By Gayle Lagman-Creswick

Dear Gabby Gayle: Last month you heard from someone who was questioning when to get off the health system “merry-go-round”. I liked your reply, but I would go a step farther and tell your readers to be sure to have all of your wishes legally done with a Living Will and Durable Power of Attorney. In addition, you must talk to your children, and make sure that they not only read your wishes, but that they understand when you say, Do Not Resuscitate, that it means: if your heart should stop beating you do not want CPR. To children out there in reading area, make sure you know what your parents want and that it is legally done. It can be a messy ending when children have to make your decisions and they do not agree on what should be done or not done. It is often difficult to bring this subject up, but take from one who knows, It Is Vital!
Signed, Experienced

Dear Experienced: Thank you for writing about such a deeply personal and important subject. I might add a little tip: If you are in your later years and have a few chronic conditions, think about what tests you might want to forego. For instance, if you would not have cancer treatment, why undergo mammograms? If you would not want a treatment, why undergo the test? I have made these decisions for myself. I have cysts on my pancreas that could turn to Cancer. However, I would not have the treatments, which are severe, so why would I keep having those scans which cost the system huge amounts of money? A doctor friend once told me that a patient of his told him she did not want to go to the hospital anymore after many frequent admissions. He told her she did not have to, that she could go onto hospice. He said she was so relieved to know that she could die in peace and comfort and no more hospitalizations. Thanks again for writing. GG

Dear Gabby Gayle: My adult kids say I am driving them crazy with my constant worry and questioning about their well-being. How do I stop being a mother?
Signed, A Mom

Dear Mom: You don’t. You just learn to keep your mouth shut and pray they will be ok! GG

If you have questions for Gabby Gayle, please send them to lagmancreswick@gmail.com.