title: Portrait of an artist: a final study.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: New Orleans, LA.
authors.forename: Karen M
authors.initials: KM
authors.lastname: Pinsky