My young cancer patient refused all treatment. After her death I found out why

‘Patients who refuse curative treatment often do so based on their values while their flummoxed doctors act from a place of rationalism,’ writes oncologist Ranjana Srivastava. Photograph: Boy_Anupong/Getty Images

“Every time I talk to you, I feel more distressed.”

Tears stream down the patient’s face as she claps her palms over both ears to shut me out.