Wills, Power of Attorney & DNRs

The need to face the reality of such documents as wills, living wills, do-not-resuscitate orders, and medical power of attorney can be a difficult task for Mesothelioma victims and their families.  Unfortunately, these must be considered when planning for potential outcomes after a cancer diagnosis.  Below is a list of documents that should be reviewed in order to protect the rights of the patient and his/her family.

• Last Will and Testament – This is a legal document that is designed to insure that your money and property will, upon your death, be given to the people or organizations specified by you.  Those who do not leave behind a Will can potentially cause significant problems for their family.  Your estate will be subject to probate and those you love may not receive what is truly theirs.  Relatives may argue over inheritances and choose to fight in court over your estate.
• Living Will – Also known as a “medical directive”, “directive to physician”, or “healthcare declaration”, a living will outlines a patient’s wishes for medical treatment when they are unable to communicate with doctors directly.  This document includes the opportunity to choose or refuse the use of artificial means (respirators, etc.) to sustain life.  The living will falls into the category of “advanced directives.”
• Medical Power of Attorney – Also an advanced directive, this is a legal document by which the patient appoints another individual to make medical treatment decisions when they, the patient, are unable to express their wishes directly.  The appointed person is often referred to as a proxy, surrogate, or healthcare agent.  Patients often choose family members or close friends.  Remember, however, that this puts considerable burden on the surrogate.  Living wills are often the preferred vehicle for advance directives.
• Do-Not-Resuscitate (DNR) Orders – Signed by a licensed physician, this legal document instructs medical teams not to attempt resuscitation if the patient should experience cardiac or respiratory arrest.  Remember, this is not valid unless signed by a physician. It’s also a good idea to discuss this document and your wishes with doctors and family members in advance.

When compiling these documents

• Be sure that you provide copies of living wills or medical power of attorney for doctors, surrogates, and family members.  You may want to consider carrying a copy in your wallet or bringing it with you to the hospital when there is a planned admission.
• Be sure the documents comply with your state rules.
• Remember that you can change your mind at any time.  If you do, however, be sure to file new papers, obtain signatures where necessary, and re-distribute the documents to those individuals who should possess copies of them.