TY - JOUR T1 - Portrait of an Artist: A Final Study JF - Ochsner Journal JO - Ochsner J SP - 295 LP - 297 VL - 11 IS - 4 AU - Karen M Pinsky Y1 - 2011/12/21 UR - http://www.ochsnerjournal.org/content/11/4/295.abstract N2 - 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. ER -