%0 Journal Article %A Karen M Pinsky %T Portrait of an Artist: A Final Study %D 2011 %J Ochsner Journal %P 295-297 %V 11 %N 4 %X The life of an accomplished, independent 53-year-old woman is completely changed after surgery for a large, invasive spinal cord tumor. A lengthy, unsuccessful attempt at recovery and rehabilitation, compromised by multiple complications and hospitalizations, led to the patient's choice to come off the ventilator. Her end-of-life decision allowed her to die peacefully, surrounded by family and friends, all of whom were profoundly affected by the experience. %U https://www.ochsnerjournal.org/content/ochjnl/11/4/295.full.pdf