I just watched the interview with Roger Ebert. He and his wife are incredible people. I was however angry when Oprah said that his wife had REFUSED to let him die. Well, I did too but look what happened. It almost implies that if you try hard enough-the person will survive no matter what. I know I'm probably way too raw to have watched it but I knew you'd all understand.

Gald i didn't watch it or hear her make such a crass theatrical statement.Why do people have to be so bloody melodramatic when they are facing the media.I attempted to refuse to allow my husband to die,but he did any way.I refuse to accept that he's gone but he has.We just don't have that power ,but wouldn't the world be a different place if we did.

Sue and Liz

We do understand. My wife and I were equally shocked when Oprah made that comment and Chaz agreed with her. Putting the best light possible on it, perhaps Roger was reluctant to undergo the final surgeries he needed to survive and she pushed him to do so.
Otherwise, Oprah should apologize to all the wonderful caregivers who lost a spouse.
Charm

I'm not taking anything away from Chaz-she seems like a remarkable woman but Oprah was extremely insensitive to those who "let" our spouses die.

Oprah was insensitive in her comments. Roger has a lot of courage and I learned a lot from just watching him smile even with all he has been through. It made me realize that I can smile to. I can still talk, and am gaining my ability to eat again, slowly. I do agree Oprah should apologize.

I read the article about Roger and had seen the previews on TV with Oprah. I'm glad I didn't see her show, it would have pissed me off. There's one thing that bothers me though. Did anyone notice that Roger had "cancer" but did not specify what type? Why is that? Is it because anything having to do with the mouth, ie dental, is considered cosmetic and not a prerequisite for survival? If so, someone better rethink the logic.

I'm not thinking too clearly right now as they admitted Carol into the hospital yesterday after being in ER for almost 24 hrs. Unfortunately the Doctors finally listened to Carol's complaints only after going to ER. One Doctor told me let them do their job....well if they had been listening she might not have ended up in ER. According to the hospital's website they admit Oral Cancer is under researched in Florida....maybe I'll make copies of the article and present them to everyone we've dealt with so far...along with the OCF brochures. I'm getting off topic so I'll close my ramblings.

I was planning to watch the show, but spent most of the day in hospital with my friend who has mutiple myeloma.

I'm glad I didn't watch it as I can see why you guys are upset. Unfortunately, as we know, people just don't realize what they are saying. Wouldn't it be nice if we could just "refuse" to have something not happen and then it won't?

I was too late and missed the Ebert interview. Sounds like I didnt miss much. Oprah is like most people who have no clue about living thru a terrible disease like OC weather its as the patient or caregiver. She is a puppet and says what is scripted to say.

Im sorry to hear that the show hurt the feelings of our caregivers. Suemarie, how heartless it must have sounded to you. You did everything in your power to help Neil. Her statement was made out of ignorance. Liz, glad you missed hearing those stupid comments. Both of you ladies were terrific caregivers, probably better than the wife who was on tv today.

I never liked Oprah and can't figure out why she has a show. I watched one time for about 15 minutes and quit wasting my time. I would rather watch grass grow than watch her.

i have it taped and am debating on watching it. i probably will, just to see.
im disheartened at the fact that it was upsetting to basically everyone that watched it.
i just keep telling myself that anyone outside the OCF doesnt know or understand what we truly go thru. they have NO CLUE. so even though their comments may hurt us, they arent being cruel...they are ignorant about this subject.