Ulteriori informazioni
The Nell Dialogues is a contribution to the literature of Ars Moriendi, the art of dying. Through twelve dialogues with her therapist, it tells the story of Nell, a 61 year old with metastatic breast cancer, and traces her acceptance of, and struggle with, the practical obstacles to achieving a good death. The book also offers a window on the world of patients and their caregivers facing a life-threatening illness together.
Sommario
- Introduction: The Prospect of Mortality
- Chapter 1. February 16, 2005 - Seeking Witness
- Chapter 2. March 23, 2005 - Getting Finished
- Chapter 3. April 5, 2005 - Living in Mortal Time
- Chapter 4. April 12, 2005 - Letting Go and Mastering Fear
- Chapter 5. April 19, 2005 - Leaving Gifts
- Chapter 6. April 27, 2005 - Holding On
- Chapter 7. May 3, 2005 - An Epiphany
- Chapter 8. May 17, 2005 - Acceptance
- Chapter 9. May 24, 2005 - Finding Home
- Chapter 10 May 30, 2005 - Far from Home
- Chapter 11. June 7, 2005 - Grief and Sadness
- Chapter 12. June 14, 2005 - Facing, Accepting and Yielding
- Chapter 13. June 21-22, 2005 - Departure
- Chapter 14. Afterword - Therapist Reflections
Info autore
Richard P. McQuellon, PhD, Professor of Medicine and Director, Psychosocial Oncology, Wake Forest University Baptist Health System, Winston-Salem, North Carolina
Riassunto
Nell M. came to her therapist with an unusual problem. She was disappointed that her metastatic breast cancer was not progressing as predicted. She had hoped breast cancer would lead to death, preventing her from witnessing her spouse's mental deterioration from Alzheimer's disease. This is how Nell's story began. As Nell became increasingly aware of her death on the near horizon, the therapy sessions with the author were recorded and transcribed.
The Nell Dialogues: Conversation in Mortal Time consists of twelve of Nell's illness narratives that explore the challenges of managing the physical and emotional demands of cancer, relationship issues with family and health care professionals, and disturbing, anxiety provoking thoughts as well as the mourning that accompanies the end of life. These dialogues trace Nell's acceptance of, and struggle with, the practical obstacles to achieving a good death. They also offer a window on the world of patients and their caregivers facing a life-threatening illness together. A commentary by the author accompanies each dialogue, giving the reader insights on the therapist's thinking during the counselling sessions and offering context and lessons learned from them.
Nell's vibrant voice is a beacon throughout the narratives, sometimes sad, yet always hopeful for a good death. Her ability to navigate the difficult territory of mortal time and dying informs the reader about how death might be approached with grace and dignity.
