When Jeff Sutton’s father came home from the hospital on May 13, having exhausted all dialysis options, he made a definitive choice—he wanted to enjoy the time he had left without further medical interventions.

Choosing Quality of Life Over Treatment

Research suggests that someone with ESRD is likely to live about a week without dialysis, and Jeff’s father had been weak, hallucinating vividly, and hardly eating while in the hospital. His decision to stop all treatments, including insulin and breathing therapies, was met with support from the family, and hospice care was arranged.

Without the stress of his former appointments, dialysis treatments, and multiple pill taking, Jeff’s father actually began to improve. He enjoyed his favorite meals, shared good times with family, and explored new experiences like trying different bourbons. Friends and family visited frequently, and his days were filled with reminiscing, laughter, and relishing his freedom from medical routines.

Living Fully in Final Days

Against the odds, Jeff’s dad not only survived but thrived for weeks and then months beyond the medical prognosis. He reconnected with old friends and continued to engage in activities he loved, like going out to restaurants and helping his children and grandchildren restore old family cars, trucks, and even a go-cart. 

By August, nearly three months later, his father was still defying the odds, maintaining more good days than bad, and continuing to savor life. When his time finally came, 103 days after he stopped treatment, he left peacefully, having lived his final days on his own terms, surrounded by love.

*Sutton, J. (2024, August 25). Dying with dignity and fulfillment – a Hospice experience after stopping dialysis. LinkedIn. https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/dying-dignity-fulfillment-hospice-experience-after-stopping-sutton-hkfnc/? 

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