Case study Volodymyr

Volodymyr, a 43-year-old man in Ukraine, is suffering from a severe form of lung cancer, which has spread to his lymph nodes and bones.

A large tumor growing into his chest and diaphragm makes it difficult for him even to take short breaths. Volodymyr realizes he is dying slowly. He is living his final days in a cancer treatment center, far from his family. His only relief is 50mg of morphine a day. A few hours following his dose, Volodymyr’s excruciating pain returns. His cries of agony and pleas for relief are ignored by the medical staff. The doctor informs Volodymyr that nothing can be done; his hands are tied because of government regulations on morphine.