What is a bucket list?
Defined as “a list of things a person wants to achieve or experience, as before reaching a certain age or dying”
I see a fair number of patients in the clinic – public and private. Most people, rightly so, want to start treatment and get on with things as soon as possible. One of my jobs is to help people understand the various treatment options available and the rationale of each option. This includes talking about the risk versus benefit, the toxicity of treatment and the improvement in survival.
All this sounds great on paper or when lecturing to students or junior doctors. In the real world, things can get very difficult.
Some people want absolutely everything done to prolong life, even if it means that they are miserable for the entire time. Other people want nothing done with regard to our treatment, as they pursue alternative therapies. Yet others, can’t decide what they want.
As the years go past, many of us learn the value of talking to people and understanding what they want. What are their wishes, their fears, their aims, their goals? What does the family want? What are the plans for vacations? Holidays? Time spent with loved one? Major events planned – weddings, waiting for a grandchild to be born, graduation ceremonies. The list goes on.
I am slowly learning the importance of listening to people. It means a lot to them. And (now) me.