Goals of Share

The weekly recap from How To Train Your Doctor​

Happy Sunday, Reader!

This week, we tackled two common myths about palliative care:

1. That it’s only for people who are terminally ill, and
2. That patients have to be “ready” before they can receive it.

Both are harmful misconceptions that delay people from getting the support they deserve.

The third myth I didn’t have time to explore this week is all about acceptance.

Too often, when someone says a patient “isn’t ready for palliative care,” what they really mean is, “This person hasn’t accepted their diagnosis.”

But here’s the truth: palliative care doesn’t require you to have "accepted" anything.

You don’t need to be okay with your diagnosis to get help. In fact, your palliative care team is there to listen to your anger, your confusion, and your fear - and to remind you that all of those feelings are normal.

Palliative care is about support, wherever you are emotionally and whatever treatment plans you’re pursuing. It’s about helping you stay in control - of your body, your care, and your future - no matter how you’re feeling about your illness.

Just like you don’t have to “accept” that you have heart disease to benefit from a cardiologist’s expertise, you don’t have to accept your illness to benefit from palliative care. You only have to show up exactly as you are.

If you or someone you love is living with a serious illness, don’t wait for the “right time” or the “right mindset.”
​Ask for palliative care early.

The sooner it’s involved, the better supported you’ll be - through the good, the bad, and everything in between.

Have a wonderful week,

Matt

This week's posts

"Not ready for palliative care" An all-too-common phrase that blocks timely access to vital support ​ Watch Video

"Palliative" is not a diagnosis How using "palliative" as a label shortchanges people in need Watch Video

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Resources

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Merch

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