Patricia_Bateman

We watched Shaun of the Dead together for the very first time back when she was taking care of me after an awful breakup. We laughed our asses off, and when she came to my house that day, it's what she chose. She had a very difficult time speaking her last few months of life due to her tumor, but I got the clear impression she wanted something to remind us all of happier times. :)

Yes. I don't regret anything, other than having to watch someone I loved deteriorate so dramatically. Her death itself was very peaceful, and I knew she was 100% ready. It's what she wanted, so if I had to, then yes. I just hope I never have to again.

I am married and have a 13 year old daughter, so I asked my husband to find some fun father / daughter thing for them to do, outside of the house, all day. My daughter knows my friend passed, but does not know the details or that it was in our home. Present for her death was myself, another close friend, and a social worker from Compassion and Choices, which is a non-profit organization to assist families through the Death with Dignity (assisted suicide) program. My friend had family who live outside of the country, and are extremely Catholic. It was for that reason that she did not wish for them to know her exit strategy. She was divorced, and had a son from that marriage, but who also does not know the specific details of her passing. She instructed me to be honest with him, if ever approached.

After taking the medication, she was able to keep her eyes open for 9 minutes, which I'm told is extraordinary. Most people close their eyes after only a minute or two. She slipped into a coma, but she continued breathing and her heart continued beating (albeit very, very weakly) for another 40 minutes or so.

Before taking the lethal dose of seco-barbitol, patients are given an anti-nausea pill to help keep the dose down. After she took her dose and a few minutes had passed, I asked her if she felt nauseated at all.

Her last word(s) was: "No."

I honestly don't know. I feel some comfort knowing I live in a state where this is an option, but I don't know if I'd have the sack to do it. Watching her drink the medication that would end her life was definitely a "holy shit" moment for me. She was incredibly strong and brave, and I feel like a pansy. But honestly, since the day she was diagnosed, I felt like there was no way I would be able to deal as gracefully as she did. Great question. I realize I haven't answered it, and it's because I don't honestly know what I would do unless I was actually in her shoes.