Steelplate
Bluesman
Your question is a little extreme.
Let's try something more real world.
My mother is 83 and in great health (she works out in the gym every day). However it is possible she has contracted stomach cancer. Now, she could get expensive surgery and chemo and could live into her 90s. Or she could jsut get palliative care and live 9 months. Which should she get, given that palliative care will be about 10% of full treatment? And who ought to make that decision?
First off, sorry about your mom, that sucks. I lost my mom in 2004. As far as the decision, it should be her choice... but the option of surgery and Chemo that would extend her life 7-10 years should be on the table.
Let's make it a little tougher.... let's suppose your mom's options are take palliative care and living 9 months of relative comfort, or taking the chemo/surg option as a hail mary and living a possible 2 years in misery?
One thing I've found out over the years. Quality of life is just as important(if not more) than quantity of life. But once again, it should be her choice. But, at the same time... both options should be presented to her... That's what "end of life counseling" is. To allow people in situations like that to be well informed of their options and to allow them to make that tough choice.