“I can give you some anti-cancer drugs,” I said, “but they will make you sick and cannot cure you. I can give you intravenous fluids every day, which will keep you nourished as your appetite slips away; the fluids might add a week or two to your life. Or I can do nothing except give you a vitamin pill, which may help you, and we can see what happens. Personally, I think I’d recommend that last choice. I’ll keep you comfortable, and we’ll see what happens.”