Description

The theme of the 2013 conference centered on end-of-life issues with a discussion of the final two years of Eleanor Roosevelt’s life. She was diagnosed with aplastic anemia after undergoing a series of tests in April 1960. During the ensuing 32 months she endured multiple transfusions, several hospitalizations, bone marrow aspirations, chest x-rays, procedures to stop bleeding, and treated with an extensive number of medications including steroids and antibiotics. During her last hospitalization in October 1962 the former first lady refused further testing and demanded to be returned home. Her condition continued to deteriorate and on November 5 she lapsed into a coma. Early in the evening of November 7 her heart failed and, despite chest resuscitation and the use of intracardiac adrenalin, she passed away. Included are a description of Mrs. Roosevelt's symptoms and treatment details from 1960 through late 1962.