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Farewell: Vital End-of-Life Questions with Candid Answers from a Leading Palliative and Hospice Physician
FINALIST for Foreword's Indie Book of the YearBeing present at the bedside—and EVEN AT THE MOMENT OF DEATH—can become an experience embedded in the minds and souls of family members for generations. It is a deeply emotional time, one of relief and sadness. Anyone who has taken that final journey with a loved one will never, ever forget those moments.Dr. Edward Creagan has dedicated his life to death. And now this esteemed medical doctor examines death, not only from a medical standpoint, but from an acutely emotional perspective as events beyond our control unfold.For more than forty years, he has been at the bedside with patients at the Mayo Clinic, addressing the end-of-life questions patients and their families ask. This book is about navigating those last days, at the bedside, and saying farewell with hope, love, and compassion.Dr. Ed answers these questions and How can we die a good death?What happens at the deathbed?What is death, actually?Why does a person's life story matter at the end of life?Doc, how long do I have to live?What is hospice?What if the family doesn't agree on treatment? Now what?How do we control pain at the end of life?What is DNR?Should there be a feeding tube?Who pulls the plug?Can you help me understand the advance directive?Who cares for the caregivers?How to use this book at the bedside--From the "Sadly, many of you may be reading this book because you are sitting at the bedside of a loved one whose health is declining. You are in the eye of the medical storm. I hope my words will give you the type of hope I have given to thousands of families and patients over the years in my practice at the Mayo Clinic. I don't know you, but I know where you are and the questions you need answers to."Our test readers often told us, "I wish I had this book when I was sitting by my mother's bed." We have organized the book to answer the most pressing questions you may have in this situation. Use the table of contents to find the sections most relevant to you.Dr. Ed welcomes your feedback at his website www.AskDoctorEd.com where you can follow his blog posts on the empowered patient, on physician burnout, and on his observations about life (and death).READ NOW.
275 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 4, 2018
314 people are currently reading
546 people want to read
About the author
Edward T. Creagan
8 books29 followersEdward T. Creagan, M.D., F.A.A.H.P.M., is a professor of medical oncology at the Mayo Clinic Medical School. He holds the endowed chair as the John and Roma Rouse Professor of Humanism in Medicine. Most recently, he was named Outstanding Educator from the Mayo Clinic School of Continuing Medical Education and has received the Distinguished Mayo Clinician Award—Mayo Clinic’s highest honor. He completed an elected term as President of the Mayo Staff.
Dr. Creagan was the first Mayo Clinic consultant board certified in hospice and palliative medicine. He is a Fellow of the American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine.
Dr. Creagan received his medical training at New York Medical College and earned graduate degrees in internal medicine and oncology at the University of Michigan and the National Cancer Institute before joining the staff at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, where he has endured over 37 Minnesota winters. He is also board certified in internal medicine and medical oncology.
He is a researcher and author of over 400 scientific papers and has given 1,000 presentations throughout the world, including his home state of New Jersey. His columns on health, wellness, and the mind-body connection have appeared in Midwestern newspapers. He tweets @EdwardCreagan and @AskDoctorEd and blogs on MayoClinic.com, Mayo Clinic’s online website for consumer health information, where Dr. Creagan is associate medical editor, He is the editor of the book Mayo Clinic on Healthy Aging.
An avid marathoner and golfer, father of three sons, grandfather of two incredible boys, Dr. Creagan and his wife, Peggy, live in Rochester, Minnesota.
Dr. Creagan was the first Mayo Clinic consultant board certified in hospice and palliative medicine. He is a Fellow of the American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine.
Dr. Creagan received his medical training at New York Medical College and earned graduate degrees in internal medicine and oncology at the University of Michigan and the National Cancer Institute before joining the staff at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, where he has endured over 37 Minnesota winters. He is also board certified in internal medicine and medical oncology.
He is a researcher and author of over 400 scientific papers and has given 1,000 presentations throughout the world, including his home state of New Jersey. His columns on health, wellness, and the mind-body connection have appeared in Midwestern newspapers. He tweets @EdwardCreagan and @AskDoctorEd and blogs on MayoClinic.com, Mayo Clinic’s online website for consumer health information, where Dr. Creagan is associate medical editor, He is the editor of the book Mayo Clinic on Healthy Aging.
An avid marathoner and golfer, father of three sons, grandfather of two incredible boys, Dr. Creagan and his wife, Peggy, live in Rochester, Minnesota.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
September 20, 2018
In an easy to understand, straightforward manner Dr. Creagan and Sandra Wendel explain how to improve the quality of life for a person who is in the process of dying. They explain in careful detail how to focus on a person’s life when death is eminent, highlighting the benefits of palliative care, and hospice care. The role of family members and the importance of patient-centered medicine are key to the well being of a person who needs to make end-of-life decisions. The book explains what to include in an advanced directive and the conversations you should have with your health care proxy.
This is valuable information that can minimize or eliminate pain and suffering at the end of life. Most of us understand that death is inevitable. Many of us can put off thoughts about dying until we receive a diagnosis of a life threatening disease or until one of our family members becomes critically ill. So “Farewell” may not be on your want-to-read list. I urge you to read it anyway. Even though the first chapter explains how to use the book at the bedside, I recommend that you don’t wait until you need this information immediately. The Audible version is an excellent overview, however it does not include chapter headings or the resources section of the book. For that you will need either the print or e-book version.
This is valuable information that can minimize or eliminate pain and suffering at the end of life. Most of us understand that death is inevitable. Many of us can put off thoughts about dying until we receive a diagnosis of a life threatening disease or until one of our family members becomes critically ill. So “Farewell” may not be on your want-to-read list. I urge you to read it anyway. Even though the first chapter explains how to use the book at the bedside, I recommend that you don’t wait until you need this information immediately. The Audible version is an excellent overview, however it does not include chapter headings or the resources section of the book. For that you will need either the print or e-book version.
May 25, 2022
Maybe it’s because I have my MHA, but my perspective wasn’t shook. Good info for those who don’t regularly think about this as part of their career.
December 4, 2023
Written by a doctor in language most people will find easy to follow. No one like to think about the important things that happen as the end of life nears for someone we care about. Not only is thinking about them important but the conversations we should have are life changing for both the one nearing the end of life and those caring for them.
This is a journey through the many challenges of an end of life journey for the patient, family and friends as well as the healthcare and others caring for them. There will be many things you will learn here if you have never gone through this journey and for those that have you will reflect on your journey and what you would like to be different next time.
There is a lot of practical advice and a ton of food for thought to go with it.
This is a journey through the many challenges of an end of life journey for the patient, family and friends as well as the healthcare and others caring for them. There will be many things you will learn here if you have never gone through this journey and for those that have you will reflect on your journey and what you would like to be different next time.
There is a lot of practical advice and a ton of food for thought to go with it.
August 12, 2018
This is an extremely thorough and compassionate guide to the end of life...whether from traditional illness (cancer) or deterioration over time (dementia). Given my role as caregiver to elderly parents, I found clear explanations, useful suggestions, and understanding support. This is a must-read for anyone who is or will be caregiver/decision maker for a loved one nearing death.
October 22, 2018
Dr Creagan packs a plethora of useful information into one concise read in "Farewell: Vital end-of-Life Questions with Candid Answers." Candid is absolutely correct, as Creagan unabashedly sheds light on common, often very difficult questions that patients and families must ask themselves during some of the most difficult times in life, and he does so in very clear language. The goal of the book is not to make one an expert in Palliative Medicine (although as someone now dedicated to the field, I picked up several gems throughout my reading!). Rather, as Creagan states in his introduction, he simply wanted to create a useful tool for families working through difficult health related problems. Whether you or a loved one suffer from cancer, COPD, heart failure, stroke, kidney disease, or a loved one is aging and reaching the end of their life, this book has helpful information for you. Maybe a loved one has been referred to Palliative Care and you'd like to learn more about what that means. This book is for you also! It reads well from front to back, and also is structured in a way that it can be picked up at a bedside and be a useful reference for someone with disease-specific questions. Creagan's rich medical career as both an Oncologist and a Hospice and Palliative Medicine Physician allows him to fill the pages with real patient stories and family struggles in an effort to help illuminate the sometimes dark path that is chronic, serious illness for others. What I would urge others to do is read this book BEFORE you have reached crisis mode, so that you and loved ones can make calm, informed decisions with the clearest mind possible. When you're finished reading you'll not only have the tools to help you through the journey of life, but also you'll find a nice list of additional resources that can assist in making the process easier. As our population ages, this book will only become more relevant in our everyday lives.
December 22, 2018
Review originally published at: https://www.lomeraniel.com/audiobookr...
This is the kind of book that one never thinks of reading but it is one that should be in everyone’s to be read pile since we are bound to find these situations at some point in life. I was kind of dreading listening to this book because I was afraid of feeling it may awake in me.
It was a hard book but so thoughtful and well planned. There is no stone left unturned regarding palliative care, how the dying person may be experimenting it, and how the family may be taking it. This book is not meant to be read when the difficult situation has already arrived, but in advance, to help planning and make the best or least bad decision.
It is clear from the book that doctor Edward Creagan has had a broad experience in this matters, and he is explicit but also very respectful, and moreover, caring when explaining the process and the options at each step.
Benjamin McLean did a wonderful job narrating this book, creating the illusion of becoming Creagan, and adopting a caring and patient ton, the one everyone wants to hear when facing such difficult moments.
I know this book won’t appeal to many people, but I think it’s a must read since everyone will be in a similar situation at some point, and even though we may want to avoid thinking about this, having things in order and knowing what to do when the moment comes can save us a lot of grief.
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
This is the kind of book that one never thinks of reading but it is one that should be in everyone’s to be read pile since we are bound to find these situations at some point in life. I was kind of dreading listening to this book because I was afraid of feeling it may awake in me.
It was a hard book but so thoughtful and well planned. There is no stone left unturned regarding palliative care, how the dying person may be experimenting it, and how the family may be taking it. This book is not meant to be read when the difficult situation has already arrived, but in advance, to help planning and make the best or least bad decision.
It is clear from the book that doctor Edward Creagan has had a broad experience in this matters, and he is explicit but also very respectful, and moreover, caring when explaining the process and the options at each step.
Benjamin McLean did a wonderful job narrating this book, creating the illusion of becoming Creagan, and adopting a caring and patient ton, the one everyone wants to hear when facing such difficult moments.
I know this book won’t appeal to many people, but I think it’s a must read since everyone will be in a similar situation at some point, and even though we may want to avoid thinking about this, having things in order and knowing what to do when the moment comes can save us a lot of grief.
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
July 24, 2020
Perfect Guidebook to the End of Life
I am an RN and have occasionally worked with the palliative care team at the hospital where I worked. To a one, I found the team to be compassionate and truly caring about what happened with the patient and trying to make the transitions for the family as painless as possible. I've also seen the flip side when families struggle with what to do because they can't let go; I have seen patients suffer needlessly, which always broke my heart. I wish this book were available on hospital units just so families could have a better sense of what is going on, what they need to consider, and what the best future options could or should be. This palliative care and hospice physician has created the perfect book for families based on his many years of clinical experience in the field. The book is organized into questions that people might have about everything to do with end-of-life medical care and options and even what to do in the aftermath of the eventual death, like considering organ donation. Ideally, you should read this before a loved one is truly at the end of life so you can better understand what options people have inside and outside the hospital. My own mother is struggling at this point with multiple comorbidities and a recent protracted hospital stay due to septicemia, an infected dialysis fistula, and heart issues. I am glad this was published now as I consider her options with my family. A truly helpful book that I hope will find its way into the right hands.
I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.
My book blog: https://www.readingfanaticreviews.com
I am an RN and have occasionally worked with the palliative care team at the hospital where I worked. To a one, I found the team to be compassionate and truly caring about what happened with the patient and trying to make the transitions for the family as painless as possible. I've also seen the flip side when families struggle with what to do because they can't let go; I have seen patients suffer needlessly, which always broke my heart. I wish this book were available on hospital units just so families could have a better sense of what is going on, what they need to consider, and what the best future options could or should be. This palliative care and hospice physician has created the perfect book for families based on his many years of clinical experience in the field. The book is organized into questions that people might have about everything to do with end-of-life medical care and options and even what to do in the aftermath of the eventual death, like considering organ donation. Ideally, you should read this before a loved one is truly at the end of life so you can better understand what options people have inside and outside the hospital. My own mother is struggling at this point with multiple comorbidities and a recent protracted hospital stay due to septicemia, an infected dialysis fistula, and heart issues. I am glad this was published now as I consider her options with my family. A truly helpful book that I hope will find its way into the right hands.
I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.
My book blog: https://www.readingfanaticreviews.com
January 16, 2021
I was aware of palliative care several years ago when my dad passed away. It was new to this hospital and after he was moved to a hospital because he had a serious health episode it was working with the palliative care doctor that got him back home and under hospice care. The hospice care was excellent and he eventually passed in his own house, which would have been his preference.
Dr. Creagen wrote this book and it is easy to understand and digest. It was written simply, making it understandable for all who read addressing the importance of family participation.It reflected on medical aspects but also spirituality of the dying.
Dr Creagen LOVES palliative care and does suggest strongly that this type of program should be adopted. I do not disagree after watching my dad's death but I cannot express enough the mental anguish while watching a loved one die even with hospice. Our hospice people were loving, understanding and professional. When these people leave though and your loved one has episodes at 2:00 AM even with hospice it is very hard on the family. Putting the morphine under his tongue was hard for us. In the book, while reading, it took me back to those few days and I realized it is still hard to think about. Thank you Dr Creagen for introducing palliative care to those who do not know anything about the process.
Dr. Creagen wrote this book and it is easy to understand and digest. It was written simply, making it understandable for all who read addressing the importance of family participation.It reflected on medical aspects but also spirituality of the dying.
Dr Creagen LOVES palliative care and does suggest strongly that this type of program should be adopted. I do not disagree after watching my dad's death but I cannot express enough the mental anguish while watching a loved one die even with hospice. Our hospice people were loving, understanding and professional. When these people leave though and your loved one has episodes at 2:00 AM even with hospice it is very hard on the family. Putting the morphine under his tongue was hard for us. In the book, while reading, it took me back to those few days and I realized it is still hard to think about. Thank you Dr Creagen for introducing palliative care to those who do not know anything about the process.
October 15, 2018
At times this book was difficult to listen to but so worth it. I am not a caregiver at this place in my life but I have been and wish I had this book at that time. Even if you are never a caregiver this book is a wonderful informative book on end of life ( which can come at any age). The author has 40 years of helping with the transition from this life. As an oncologist his focus has been cancer but this book is so much more than just cancer. Lots of questions that need to answered no matter your age or health. Great insights in to how best to handle end of life bedside manners. How to deal with the overwhelming health care issues. Insights to how you need to be aware of insurance and medical stuff (knowing this before you are in an emotional situation is so smart). If you walk away with nothing more than you should get your wishes for end of life in order and your estate no matter your age you will be a head of the game. Your family will be able to better help you too. I was gifted this book with the understanding that I would leave an honest review. This book was truly a gift in so many ways. This book shows that end of life can be done with ease and dignity and having knowledge in advance will help in a small way with the grief that will come.
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June 30, 2021An Essential Guide for Adults of All Ages
Death can come when welcomed - and when least expected. We frequently choose our guidebooks in the grief of sudden loss or in the pain and emotion of a lingering, terminal illness of a loved one.
Dr. Creagan and Sandra Wendel provide a practical and sensitive guide on how to navigate the complexities of dying. The narrative is uncluttered, with recommendations illustrated through vignettes from personal experience.
The authors address what a patient-centered approach means, the difference between palliative care and hospice services, managing medications, the important value of an Advance Directive and Healthcare Proxy, treatments that are beneficial and those which are not at end-of-life, the various roles of medical professionals, and more.
Throughout the bullet-point chapters of practical information, they also describe what caregivers and family can expect to witness during the final stages of dying and how best to respond to the patient to allow the inevitable experience to be one of value to all.
This is a book that should be read now and kept handy on the reader's reference shelf.
Death can come when welcomed - and when least expected. We frequently choose our guidebooks in the grief of sudden loss or in the pain and emotion of a lingering, terminal illness of a loved one.
Dr. Creagan and Sandra Wendel provide a practical and sensitive guide on how to navigate the complexities of dying. The narrative is uncluttered, with recommendations illustrated through vignettes from personal experience.
The authors address what a patient-centered approach means, the difference between palliative care and hospice services, managing medications, the important value of an Advance Directive and Healthcare Proxy, treatments that are beneficial and those which are not at end-of-life, the various roles of medical professionals, and more.
Throughout the bullet-point chapters of practical information, they also describe what caregivers and family can expect to witness during the final stages of dying and how best to respond to the patient to allow the inevitable experience to be one of value to all.
This is a book that should be read now and kept handy on the reader's reference shelf.
February 19, 2019
Many times at the end of life, patients and family (and doctors) keep on battling against a hopeless cause. The sad fact is that this often diminishes the patient's quality of life. This book suggests that there's a different way to go - I recommend reading it even if you're not in that situation because it can spark a lot of discussion about people's final wishes when everything is calm, rather than emotionally charged.
This book should be required reading in medical school. Before my 91 year old mother died, I remember having to battle a doctor because he wanted to do an invasive procedure with little chance of success - he just wasn't willing to let nature take its course.
Death is inevitable but the way we go can be our choice.
This book should be required reading in medical school. Before my 91 year old mother died, I remember having to battle a doctor because he wanted to do an invasive procedure with little chance of success - he just wasn't willing to let nature take its course.
Death is inevitable but the way we go can be our choice.
May 11, 2021
Some of the best life experiences that I have had were spent as a volunteer hospice worker under the tutelage of Chaplain Kathryn D'Ambrosio. She provided me with training and opportunities to learn about end of life issues and how to deal with them. Her guidance was a blessing then and continues to be so now. Death of family members and friends become easier to cope with when you understand the process. In addition to the hospice training I just read a book, "Farewell : Vital End-of-Life Questions with Candid Answers from a Leading Palliative and Hospice Physician," the author is Dr. Edward T Creagan. Every home library should have a copy of it. It is well written, easy to understand and a practical guide to life ending issues.
November 4, 2018
Farewell: Vital End-of-Life Questions with Candid Answers from a Leading Palliative and Hospice Physician by Edward T. Creagan. This is a comprehensive guide which discusses what to do and what not to do when facing potentially end of life situations. He takes in to account the view of the patient, the patient's support system and covers information that the average person probably does not know. Some of the question that he poses are questions that not everyone would even know to ask. this is an excellent resource and should be in everyone's library to have access to as sooner or later we all have to deal with a situation like this.
February 8, 2019
This book warmly expresses the emotions we experience when someone you love is near the end-of-life. It explains things that whether we like or it or not we need to know. My mother recently passed away under hospice care, and we, my brother and sisters and I, couldn't express our gratitude enough for the help and support they bring. The authors did a wonderful job with this book.
June 2, 2021
Great information!
Timely information for me personally. My Dad has dementia and recently had to enter a Memory Care facility. It’s been hard to navigate in so many ways and this book has provided me with some helpful ideas to think about. I wish there were more doctors like the author that focused on Quality of Life rather than fixing things.
Timely information for me personally. My Dad has dementia and recently had to enter a Memory Care facility. It’s been hard to navigate in so many ways and this book has provided me with some helpful ideas to think about. I wish there were more doctors like the author that focused on Quality of Life rather than fixing things.
November 27, 2018
This book “found” me shortly before my mother passed away. I’m not sure if it was via Bookbub or a goodreads emails. As Mom entered hospice this book provided very useful information in a readable form. Definitely worth reading before you have to deal with hospice and the death of a loved one.
June 13, 2021
This book answers a lot of questions on what should be done to prepare for end of life. Our family had already asked and answered many of the difficult questions, but I found the information on hospice very helpful. I think physicians would find much of the information helpful too.
October 6, 2022
The death bell tolls for us all
The book Farewell by Dr. Edward Creagan with Sandra Wendel is the outline of the process for us all to prepare for the last step of life. It is based on his 40 + years of experience as a palliative doctor. It is way worth reading.
The book Farewell by Dr. Edward Creagan with Sandra Wendel is the outline of the process for us all to prepare for the last step of life. It is based on his 40 + years of experience as a palliative doctor. It is way worth reading.
June 27, 2025
Good info and reassurance
I liked this book, it was very informative and covered many views. Many.of my questions were answered and it gave me.peace and insight into preparing for the future.
I liked this book, it was very informative and covered many views. Many.of my questions were answered and it gave me.peace and insight into preparing for the future.
November 12, 2018
The topic is not an easy one but the book is so necessary and so well presented and written. It is a thoughtful book, topic well-explained and everyone would benefit from reading it.
November 16, 2018
i won this in a giveaway it can be helpful if you are taking care of a loved one with a terminal illness
December 19, 2018
Good information for end of life issues.
July 16, 2021
Great book
Thank you for writing this book. I've learned a lot while reading. Your a very caring Doctor and in my eyes an Angle.
Thank you for writing this book. I've learned a lot while reading. Your a very caring Doctor and in my eyes an Angle.
August 17, 2024
Says it all from a practical point of view.
This book says it all from a practical point of view to let your loved one die with dignity and without a lot of pain.
This book says it all from a practical point of view to let your loved one die with dignity and without a lot of pain.
November 25, 2018
This is a bedside look at the process of end of life care
and dying from a Drs. hands on experience.
This was well written with compassion, care, and respect.
The things written in the book are informative and
will promote the experience to be easier for
all involved. Keeping in mind that the patient's wishes should come first if possible and practical.
The good Dr mentioned -this is not the time or place to bring up anger issues or blame. Use this time for
forgiveness, allowing the person to go with love, dignity, and respect.
As a senior myself with serious health issues this book
could have been written for me. It was comforting to
know that when the time comes that I might have a Dr as
caring as this one. Or I hope so. Smiles
I would recommend this book for anyone as a resource for information. Because we will all face these issues
sooner or later. I highly recommend this read.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews