Knowledge or Denial

[GSLeloo]

Ok this came from a discussion I was having with Neff. Let's make it a hypothetical situation.

You have cancer and no matter what you will die in two years. Would you rather know or live oblivious of it until you died?

[Miss X]

I'd rather not know, cos I'd spend the two years worrying my self sick about dying. When I go, I want to know nothing about it. I know people say you can make the best of the time you have etc, but I would be obsessing so much about dying I wouldnt be able to enjoy it.
Vx

[HarmNone]

Dealing with death is my job, so this is something to which I have given a lot of thought. I would prefer to know. There might be things that I would do differently in the interests of those I would leave behind. There might be dreams that were, as yet, unfulfilled...dreams that I could bring to fruition if I knew my time was limited...my dreams or the dreams of those I care about. Knowing would allow me, I suppose, to "put my house in order". :)

HarmNone

I'd rather know so i can significantly shorten my "Shoot in the face someday" list.

[Bobmuhthol]

I'd rather know.

"I have cancer and I'm dying. Fuck me plz."

[Souzy]

I'd rather know. Like Miss X said, I'd wanna enjoy the rest of my 2 years that I have. So I'd try to spend it with people that matter to me, do things that I've always wanted to do, apologize to the people I've hurted, tell the ones that annoy me that they are POS's, ect. Basically live life to the fullest and when it's my time to go, I'll be content.

[Miss X]

Hmm, I guess me saying I wouldn't want to know is kind of selfish, to those around me that I care about but to be honest, I really wouldnt be able to deal with it.
I tell my family I love them every day, and I really hope all the people I love and care about know how much they mean to me so that should anything happen to me, they would never doubt that I cared.
Vx

[Edaarin]

I would rather know so I could set my affairs straight. As long as I get the chance to say goodbye.

[HarmNone]

It is not selfish to feel as you do, Miss X. Many feel that way. It is an individual decision, and there is no "wrong" or "right". :)

HarmNone

[GSLeloo]

I'm not sure what I'd want... knowing would mean trying to do everything I always dreamed of. But it would also mean knowing that I won't live to have kids or see grandkids or get married, depending upon when I was diagnosed.

[Weedmage Princess]

I always thought I wouldn't want to know, but upon giving it a little thought..I don't know. I mean, no one really knows what happens once you die. Sure, we all have our beliefs and theories, but...no one knows for certain. What's so bad about going to sleep, after all? If that's what it really is...you know, you just stop living and nothing else happens. And if something does happen, well then...it's the beginning of new experiences at the least. So....hmm...good question.

But I'd hate knowing I'd be leaving behind everyone who means everything to me.

[Overlord]

I'd say i'd like to know, knowing im gonna die within a certain time makes it much more relevant when i get things done. Big fucking deal im going to die anyway, now i have the advantage of knowing when.

(Edited For Two Minor Typos)

[Edited on 1-22-2004 by Overlord]

[Wezas]

I won't do it.... must refrain from agreeing with bob.....

[Latrinsorm]

I'd definitely want to know because of the situation I'm in right now. I'm not going to waste the little bit of life I had left on college. Psh. I certainly wouldn't go to lecture anymore.

[Betheny]

I'd rather know.

I wish I had known my dad was going to die, because I would have been able to say all the things I wish I could have said to him.

Lucky for me, even back then, I make sure those I care about know how I feel. Every time I talk to them. It's just a good policy. You never know when you're going to wake up and suddenly be in the middle of The Stand... or... whatever.

I have an active imagination. :thumbsup:

[Mint]

Not to be a downer or anything but my older sister Rose passed away in November after quite a long illness. Most of my family myself included spent a lot of that time in denial. It's hard not to pressure someone you love to do just about anything to prolong their life whatever the cost, however, she decided quite early that quality over quantity was far more important. If anyone asked me to define a quality life it would have to be the last eight months of my sisters life. She left nothing unsaid to anyone that mattered to her. She was able to mend some of what she had thought were burned bridges and I truly believe she died without regrets. So, yes, I would want to know because often we are not allowed that priveledge.