Parenting
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Arrest ordered for mom of boy, resisting chemo
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- by Nini Poo, on Wed May 20, 2009 8:52am PDT
I'm not entirely sure how I feel about this, but wanted to
share the article anyway...
The link to the full article is here: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090520/ap_on_re_us/us_forced_chemo
In summary, this family believes in "natural" healing
methods for illness, however the court in their county ordered
mandatory chemotherapy for this 13-year
old's Hodgkin's Lymphoma. Apparently the
court also ordered the boy be placed in foster care due to neglect
on the parents part--whether or not that decision was based only on
this chemo issue, I can't be sure. Mom and son are
currently no where to be found however. And he is not
receiving the court ordered treatment.
As someone who is currently holding my mother's hand through
chemo treatment for breast cancer, I can understand why one would
not want to go through such a battle. In addition to the
horrible side effects of the treatment, it's not a guranteed to
"cure" the cancer.
In terms of cancer and living with it... I believe quality of life
overrides quantity. If this boy wants to live his life on his
terms and not be hooked up to machines, drips and with all the side
effects of the treatment, shouldn't he be able to? Just
because his life MAY be extended a few years, but under horrible
circumstances, does that make chemo the right option?
Like I said, I'm sure how I feel about this... your
thoughts???
Other things to consider are:
1. Who will pay for the treatment?
2. Will his biological parents (his primary support
system) be able to see him during treatment if he is found and
forced to undergo it?
3. The boy claims to kick and scream and fight such treatment if
forced into it... does this mean the hospital will need to
sedate him? Is this ethically right?
Related: rights, parenting, ethics, court ordered treatment, chemo, arrest warrant
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Posted by rockin' mom Wed Jun 3, 2009 9:02am PDT
You know, Nini, I have wondered the same things. I mean, on one hand, it would (probably) save his life, but if that family is so intent on "natural" healing, then how can they be forced to have the treatment? Idk...but my thoughts are with he and his family. And you and yours.....
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Posted by Clarissa Thu Jun 4, 2009 9:38am PDT
I don't know about this either. It seems like it's infringing on the family's rights and beliefs. But then again the child isn't old/mature enough to be able to grasp all of the consequences of this decision. I would hate to see a child of mine suffer, but I don't know if I could live with myself if I hadn't done everything possible for him.
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Posted by 29_and holding Thu Jun 4, 2009 10:16am PDT
I think that the family should be able to do what they think is best for their kiddo.
I would go the natural route before I opted for chemo if it were my child.
Come check my new blog.
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Posted by LZ Mon Jun 15, 2009 3:36pm PDT
Yeah, its definatly an etical dilemma. I wouldnt want anyone to tell me how to care for my kids especially in a critical situation. But I consider myself to be entirely sane. I guess if I knew for sure that the parents and the boy were 100% educated and thoughtful in this decision then I would accept it. Since I don't know that w/ total certainty then I feel like I have to be cautious and side w/ treating him. My mother died of BC when I was 10 and I work in healthcare. I know how painful and debilitating chemo is. I guess I just have a hard time letting the boy die w/ out making every concievable effort to save him. It's a terrible choice for a family to face, I don't know what I would do.
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Posted by Habanero♥™ Tue Jun 16, 2009 8:32am PDT
Actually Nini I used to cook for The One Way Fare, years ago!!!! Also the old Pentangle Pub, Chez Serge in Avon, La Trattoria in Canton!!!
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Posted by kim r Sun Jun 21, 2009 8:56am PDT
New blog for my daddy!
http://shine.yahoo.com/channel/parenting/daddy-and-me-against-the-world-478388/
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Posted by Habanero♥™ Tue Jul 7, 2009 7:55am PDT
Just checking in to see if you have delivered yet???
Let us all know!
Blessings.
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