You may ask yourself, "How do I make these important decisions that express my values and beliefs?" We encourage you to discuss your health care choices with your loved ones and your physician. This means looking holistically at the plan of treatment-spiritually, emotionally, physically and financially. You must weigh the burdens and the benefits of medical care in relation to yourself and your family.

Benefits: What good will this treatment do for me? Will the quality of my life remain at an acceptable level or have meaning for me? Does my physician believe I can recover or be more comfortable with this treatment? Do I believe this?

Burdens: What are the long-term implications and costs of the treatment? Do they provide comfort or just prolong my pain, suffering or death? If the burdens outweigh the benefits, it is not necessary to begin or continue treatment.