Qld: Crick hasn't changed her mind says Nitschke

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Qld: Crick hasn't changed her mind says Nitschke

By Dale Paget

GOLD COAST, April 10 AAP - Euthanasia advocate Philip Nitschke doesn't believe NancyCrick has changed her mind about committing suicide despite the success of recent painrelief treatment.

The controversial doctor also believes Mrs Crick is now in possession of better suicidedrugs should she decide to continue with her euthanasia plans.

The 70-year-old women who suffers from bowel cancer went public last month to documenther struggle to end her life with dignity because chronic pain, vomiting and diarrhoeahad made living intolerable.

In her latest internet diary Mrs Crick described today as "the day I originally thoughtI'd take tablets and die".

"Well, that's not going to be the case now, and when I get out of hospital at the endof this week, I'll see how things go when I get home."

While Mrs Crick said doctors had made some of her symptoms quite a lot better she alsofelt in a "good position" to take her life if she decided to continue with her euthanasiaplans.

"I'm pleased to be in a good position now of being able to end things at anytime -that makes me feel better just knowing that - I'm never going to feel trapped again likeI was before," she said.

Dr Nitschke, who speaks with Mrs Crick daily and has acted as her euthanasia adviser,said she was most likely in possession of her preferred suicide medication - Nembutal.

"I see that she probably hasn't significantly altered her plans at all," Dr Nitschke said.

"She's been pleased that the life she has got now is of better quality than the oneshe had. But whether that has altered her final decision or not - only she will know."

Mrs Crick had planned to stay in St Vincents private hospital for just 48 hours buthas remained in palliative care now for eight days.

AAP dp/sc/cjh/sb

KEYWORD: CRICK