The final day had a lot of medical stuff going on, which was so confusing to figure out even as doctors. He didn't want to risk going on a ventilator and being in a coma or having us have to make a difficult decision about when to start. Even with him awake to say what his preference is for, there is so much that people go through when someone's dying. Is this really it? What if? And like guilt? Did we do it right? I just feel like all you can do is do your best,.
Lucy Kalanithi is a doctor, a mom, and the widow of Dr. Paul Kalanithi, author of the bestselling memoir, “When Breath Becomes Air.” Lucy was at Paul's side through his final days, both at home and at the hospital. In this conversation, she reflects on how his death transformed her relationship to time, and how we make meaning in the world.
If you enjoyed this episode, we recommend this one from the archives: "Losing Dixie”
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