What Is a DNR Order for Mesothelioma Patients?
A DNR is a medical order that tells health care professionals not to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) if your heart or breathing stops.
CPR can involve chest compressions, electric shocks, medications, or breathing support. If you have advanced mesothelioma, you may decide against resuscitation because it may not work and could cause injuries.
A DNR only applies to resuscitation. It doesn’t prevent you from receiving medical treatments for mesothelioma.
Get our Free Mesothelioma Guide to better understand your treatment options and the care you can receive even with a DNR in place.
Does a DNR Mean Stopping Mesothelioma Treatment?
No. You can have a DNR and continue receiving medical care, including treatments intended to control your cancer or relieve symptoms.
Depending on your mesothelioma treatment plan, you may still receive:
- Chemotherapy
- Immunotherapy
- Medications and oxygen
- Options available in clinical trials
- Pain management
- Palliative care
- Radiation therapy
- Surgery
A DNR doesn’t mean you have to choose between living longer and feeling better. Your care can focus on both.
Why Might Someone With Mesothelioma Consider a DNR?
Mesothelioma is a serious cancer that can weaken your overall health. Pleural mesothelioma, which affects the lining of the lungs, can also cause shortness of breath. These problems may make it harder to recover after CPR.
When deciding on a DNR, consider:
- Your current health: How mesothelioma and other medical conditions could affect your recovery after CPR
- Possible complications: Whether CPR could cause injuries or lead to more medical procedures
- Quality of life: How the possible outcomes of CPR could affect your daily life
- Treatment goals: What medical care you’d want if your health suddenly got worse
You don’t have to be in the final stages of mesothelioma to discuss a DNR. It’s one of several end-of-life decisions you can make ahead of time with your doctor’s guidance.
“More important than just checking off a DNR or resuscitate box on a form is understanding what someone’s goals are for care.”
– Dr. Mary F. Mulcahy, oncologist at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine
DNR Orders vs. Mesothelioma Palliative or Hospice Care
A DNR addresses what happens during a medical emergency, while palliative and hospice care focus on your comfort and quality of life.
Here’s how these types of care differ:
- Palliative care helps relieve symptoms at any stage of mesothelioma. You can receive it alongside cancer treatments like chemotherapy or immunotherapy.
- Hospice care provides comfort and support near the end of life, rather than focusing on curing the cancer.
You don’t need a DNR to receive either type of care. Likewise, choosing a DNR doesn’t mean you have to enter hospice.
DNR Orders vs. Advance Directives
DNR orders and advance directives both help doctors understand your medical wishes, but they serve different purposes. A DNR focuses on CPR, while an advance directive outlines the care you’d want if you couldn’t make decisions yourself.
Two common types of advance directives include:
- Health care power of attorney: Lets you choose someone to make medical decisions for you if you can’t. This person may also be called your health care proxy or agent.
- Living will: Records your wishes about life support and other medical treatments.
A living will may include instructions about CPR, but it doesn’t always replace a DNR order. If you’re planning your estate after a mesothelioma diagnosis, make sure these documents reflect your wishes.
A DNR is also different from a do-not-intubate (DNI) order, which tells doctors not to insert a breathing tube. You can discuss both orders with your doctor to make sure your wishes are clear.
How to Get a DNR Order With Mesothelioma
Start by talking with your doctor about getting a DNR. They can explain how CPR could affect you based on your health and mesothelioma diagnosis. You’ll also learn which types of medical care you can continue receiving with a DNR in place.
Follow these four steps to get a DNR order:
- Discuss your health and priorities. Ask your doctor about the risks of CPR and your chances of recovery. Think about what matters most to you as you receive mesothelioma treatment.
- Talk with your loved ones. Share your wishes with family, caregivers, or anyone you’ve chosen to make medical decisions for you.
- Fill out your do-not-resuscitate form. Your doctor can help with the paperwork. Give your care team a copy and ask whether you need a separate form for emergencies at home.
- Review your decision as needed. Your health and preferences may change over time. You can talk with your doctor about updating or canceling your DNR.
DNR requirements vary by state and where you receive care. Your doctor can help you complete the right do-not-resuscitate forms so your order is recognized.
Questions to Ask Your Doctor About a DNR
Before deciding on a DNR, talk with your doctor about what it would mean for you and your mesothelioma treatment plan.
Consider asking:
- What would CPR involve for someone in my condition?
- How likely is CPR to work, and what would recovery look like?
- Would having a DNR change my current mesothelioma treatment?
- What other medical care could I receive with a DNR?
- How can I make sure my DNR is followed in an emergency?
You may want to bring a caregiver or loved one to your appointment. You can also download our Free Doctor Questions Checklist to help you prepare and keep track of important information.
Can You Change Your Mind About a DNR?
A DNR doesn’t necessarily have to remain in place permanently. Patients can generally revisit or revoke these orders according to applicable procedures while they’re able to make their own medical decisions.
Your preferences may change as your health, mesothelioma treatment, or personal priorities change.
If you reconsider your DNR, tell your medical team and health care proxy. Your provider can explain the steps needed to update your medical records and ensure your current wishes are documented.
Get Support With Mesothelioma Care Decisions
A DNR is just one part of planning for your health and future. With one in place, you can have more peace of mind knowing your wishes will be carried out.
Mesothelioma Hope offers additional information and resources to guide patients and families through these choices.
Our Patient Advocates can help you:
- Connect with doctors who specialize in mesothelioma
- Learn about treatments available alongside a DNR
- Locate palliative care and hospice services
- Access support programs for family members and caregivers
Call (866) 608-8933 or contact Mesothelioma Hope to speak with a Patient Advocate about the next steps for you and your family.
Mesothelioma DNR FAQs
Can I get a DNR without a doctor?
No. A DNR must be issued by a doctor or another authorized health care provider. If you’re considering one, talk with your medical team about your wishes and the steps involved.
Reach out to a Mesothelioma Hope Patient Advocate for help finding a mesothelioma specialist based on your diagnosis
What is the rule for do-not-resuscitate?
A DNR tells your medical team not to perform CPR if your heart or breathing stops. It doesn’t prevent you from receiving other care, including standard mesothelioma treatments or palliative care.
How do I obtain a do-not-resuscitate (DNR) form?
Start by talking with your mesothelioma doctor about getting a do-not-resuscitate form. They can explain what’s required in your state and help you complete the paperwork.
If you’re receiving in-home care, you may also need a separate form so emergency responders know your wishes.
Can a family member override a DNR?
Generally, no. If you’ve chosen a DNR and your doctor has documented it, your family can’t simply change your decision.
However, if you don’t have an order in place and can’t speak for yourself, an authorized loved one may be able to decide for you.
If you’re discussing a DNR for a loved one with mesothelioma, call our Patient Advocates at (866) 608-8933. They can answer your questions and help you find support resources for your family.
Can my power of attorney request a DNR for me?
Yes, in some cases. Your health care agent may be able to request a DNR if you can’t make medical decisions yourself. This depends on state law and what your documents allow.
Talk with your power of attorney about CPR while you’re being treated for mesothelioma. Make sure they know what you want if they ever need to make that choice for you.
Can I change or cancel a DNR order?
Yes, you can change or cancel a DNR as long as you’re able to make your own medical decisions.
Your wishes about CPR may change as your health improves or your mesothelioma cancer progresses. If this happens, let your doctor know so they can update your DNR order accordingly.
