What Doctors Wish Their Patients Knew About Death 

I’ll die but at least my comments here forever

My grandmother raised me. She passed at 90yrs. I promised her and myself I’d be there until her very last breath and I really was. I was caressing her face while listening to her heart through a stethoscope. I was able to hear her very last heartbeat. Im honored I was able to be there with her when she left. RIP my sweet grandma❤️

My grandmother has beaten cancer twice. I wanted to tell everyone that there is ALWAYS hope!!

My father was diagnosed with stage 4 melanoma 9 years ago. I remember the oncologist said he had a 10% chance of living the next three years. Well he is still alive and kicking. Life is definitely full of surprises!

Eight months ago my entire life was the same way it always had been. I was about to graduate high school and I was gonna play college football. Six months ago I went to go see a movie with my father (whom I saw every weekend and summer for the last 18 year.) I could see he lost a lot of weight and began to worry. A month later we flew him out to Michigan to be with family so he could get back on his feet medically and financially. Two weeks later he told me he had terminal cancer and had 1-2 years left. I spent the summer with him and put college on hold so I could spend time with him and take care of him. He died this last Monday exactly 5 months after he had been flown out to Michigan. It’s been the most heart breaking thing I have ever had to deal with. My chest feels like it’s being weighed down by a car and I lose my breath when I remind myself that he is gone. His funeral is in 8 hours. Never take the ones you love for granted. I love you dad, you were my best friend.

Doctors gave my father 6 months to live after being diagnosed with testicular cancer. That was 17 years ago.😉

A doctor told my grandad he'll live for 4 days Its 11 years later and hes still alive

I've seen this happen with three people, three different ways. First, was my mother's mom. Cancer. We struggled for months with the doctors, the chemo changing her, and the family battles. She was angry, irritated all the time. My mom stayed by her side the entire time. I was 6 years old, and had just started the first grade. My mother held her hand as she took her last breath. I'm typing this 11 years to the day later. Second, was my father. I was 13. It was March 24th, 2016. it was my last year of middle school. My dad was the kind of guy that refuses to go to the doctors. After 13 days in the hospital, they realized he was brain dead, a rare fungal infection called Aspergillosis had taken him. He was an HVAC worker, had his own business, a wife and a daughter. He got infected with the aspergillus fungus when he was working on someone's house during allergy season. My mother and I remember him saying he saw black mold growing. This was during allergy season. Long story short, it went to his lungs and eventually his brain. He wasn't the best parent, but he was my dad. I was the last person he talked to before he went into a coma. His last words were "I love you." The first day he went into the hospital, he told my mother and I to spend time together, and we now realize that he knew. I held his hand as they turned off the machines. The third was one year and 360 days later, my mother's father. Cancer again. In 2017, we moved in with him because we couldn't keep our old house without my dad. He refused chemo, remembering what it did to his wife. I remember when they called Hospice. He was high off the morphine all the time, glassy eyes, speaking nonsense. He was aggravated that morning because his chest hurt. A few weeks before, the cancer took the right side of his lung and was hurting his heart. I was horribly ill that day, I had a fever of 103, but I didn't care. My mother held him as his heart stopped, we were so scared. My mom had called 911, but he had an order saying not to help him. We hoped he would make it through March. He died at the same time my father was ruled dead, 4:48pm. Death is unavoidable, but it comes in many ways. I lost three people within a decade, but that wasn't the end. My mother was an orphan and a widow. I lost the connection with my father's side of the family, as they treat me and my mother as outcasts. I realize that you never get over death, but you do come to terms with it and find peace.

Whenever I think about death, I just remind myself that the past, present and the future are happening all at once and that from the perspective of the universe, I am already dead and non existent. That somehow makes me feel better

As a medical student this one my fears,as to how I have to break the news.

"a patient died during an act of intimacy" Imagine being the significant other of that patient

Death is the passing of one life into the next. Souls are energy and energy can neither be created or destroyed

guy: the doctor gave me six months, so i killed the doctor and the judge gave me 20 years.

Man what a crazy subject. My mom January 24th 2017 RIP cancer

Please keep in mind that palliative care doesn’t always mean end of life care. I have Sickle Cell Anemia and I’m on palliative care at 32 years old. I’m not dying (at the moment lol, but we’re all actively dying day by day 😅) but my illness *IS* life threatening, I’ve almost died several times from SCA. Palliative care can start at the time of diagnosis on wards, whereas hospice care starts when treatment is stopped and is no longer working for the patient and it’s clear they’re going to die. But I guess like the video says, how can one be absolutely sure someone is going to die? Someone can pull through and then oh, oh my gosh golly, it’s a miracle! I know I can’t speak for others, but I can speak for what I’ve been through. Just know that it’s not always for someone at the end of their life and can also be for people with illnesses like mine that require treatments to stay comfortable with pain they experience, the stress from what is happening to them, and to get a team involved in your care. And with everything that’s going on with the medical community and with it getting harder and harder to get your pain meds unless you have cancer (happening in my area now), it takes a toll on us. But I wanted to mention that. Thanks!

“My doctor gave me six months to live.......When I told him I couldn’t afford to pay his bill, he gave me another six months”. (Henny Youngman)

Doctor ( We want to care for you ). Patient ( I'm Poor ). Doctor (....NEXT ).

When I die, I'm going to be a tree. Toss my carcas in a hole, plant a tree on top and let me become part of the universe again by providing fuel for new life. Come give me a hug and talk whenever you'd like. I'll still be here, just in a different form. The fact that we exist is astounding. We may only get less than 100yrs of the billions before us and trillions after, so do your best to make it count and leave our world better than when you got here.

This made me cry 😢 my grandfather passed away recently

I work hospice and this hit so close to home. I was really hoping to find something I personally could say to my patients but I see this is more for family and loved ones. I'm glad you have something like this video out here. I'm going to start sharing this with family of my patients. Thank you so much

Slowly approaching 40 and I still feel like my time is nearly at an end. Weird.

This video should be named "what you should do if someone you love is dying" because that's the biggest amount of most useful, wholesome information I've gained from this video. Now let us just hope we have to use this information as little as humanely possible…

I used to drive people who were very ill to hospices and hospital for end of life care. It's so difficult to get your head around this small Child in your Ambulance who is dying, but what amazed me was the braveness I saw from them and their relatives, it's like they have totally accepted their fate. This was my experience of most dying people, and my experience of hospices for dying with dignity (especially Children's hospices) was they are cheerful and amazingly happy places. I was terrified on my first trip...but come out feeling uplifted.

You have no idea how close to home this hit. That ending was comforting. Great video as usual!

Studies have shown that being alive is the leading cause of death.

This video reminded me of my grandma who passed away 17 years ago from, cancer makes me teary eyed. I remember how sad she was that we were sad for her so that point made in the video is so true

I’m actually finding this helpful thank you. I looked after my ex partner for the 6 weeks until he passed away and now my mum is suddenly having palliative care for cancer too. Thank you ❤️⭐️

I’m in the process of taking care of my uncle with ALS, I left where I lived and moved in right when we found out. It’s great to see i have been doing some things right, I treat it like he doesn’t even have a disease and try to make him feel as comfortable as possible when having two assists him in things he was able to do on his own before. This was one of my favorite videos of yours because this can really help people.

Patient: “Tell me the truth. How long do I have to live?” Doctor: “Ten” Patient: “Ten what? Ten years? Ten months?” Doctor: “Nine, eight, seven, six.....”

When my mother was ill, she stayed at home until one morning my parents decided she should go into palliative care. I believe she was there for about 10 days before she passed but I'd say she was only sort of alert for the first two days. All the nurses and doctors were amazing in that ward.

Loved this video, amazing how the channel is covering such topics with such ease and understanding. Keep going!

I watched my dad pass away after a seven-year extension beyond expectation. He had two types of fungal meningitis, and seven years before he passed, he stared having symptoms and wandered off in his confusion. His symptoms flared up often in the first six years, and the last year he had a steep, speedy decline. He passed surrounded by his family: me, my mother, my brother, and his (dad's) brother.

My sister's one year death anniversary is coming up. My advice for people, treat your loved ones as if it's the last time you're going to see them. I was aware of that most of her life and when she died last year, my very last words to her was "If you need help, call me and I'll do my best to be there". Not much of a last words I'm sure, but I do know if she had called, even if it was in the middle of the night, I would have immediately drove over to where she is and helped her out. With that thought in mind, I always did my best to help her, no matter how angry I got at her. The point is, when she died, I do not regret how I treated her. I have her last Christmas card that summed up on how I treated her. The only thing negative thing I have is that from time-to-time, I miss her but I'm glad she's no longer here so she won't have to suffer anymore.

I'm scared of missing the final moments of being around my grandparents. If I get a random phone call hearing that one of them is in the hospital and I have no money to even catch a plane to see them...I would be depressed til no end. I want to BE around them

This is a fantastic video. Humor during palliative care is really a great thing. The dignity given to a person during their final months/weeks/days is without a doubt one of the most important and noble things we can do.

Thank you for this video. I am still mourning the loss of my family, and this brought me a sense of peace.

The Dr told my grandmother she had 3 months left to life.... 26 years later she's still here!

This made me tear up. Brought back childhood memories of my father. :(

My grandmother fell down the stairs and broke her leg a few years ago. While recovering the doctors discovered she had bone cancer. At first, they were optimistic and said she’d recover in about 6 months. A few days later, she only had a couple months to live. Then, back to her recovering. Then they discovered the cancer had spread to her blood. At this point, she was delirious. Mumbling random things and talking nonsense. She was coherent about 20% of the time. Towards the end, she was completely gone. Whipping her head back and forth in agony, constantly calling out for my grandfather. His heart couldn’t stand seeing her like this and he had to leave. The doctors said she wouldn’t make it past the next morning. I went and said my goodbyes. I don’t know if she heard me or understood anything, but that was the last time I ever saw her.

Part of me wants to believe that my mom intentionally waited till she was alone to pass, but I'm constantly tormented with the thought that she cried out for me and I wasn't there. She was my best friend....I miss you so much mom....it breaks my heart that I wasn't there.

This just makes me miss my mom. I took care of her for 9 months (cancer) and I went through all of this with her and she wasn't always of sound mind. It was the hardest thing I ever had to do but I have no regrets. She didn't deserve to slowly die in a hospice ❤️

*That I can't die because the grim reaper is too scared of me*

My beautiful little sister passed away in palliative care in a hospice on January 22nd this year after an 18 month battle with cancer. She was 35 years old, and left behind 2 little boys. We also share the same birthday. I say 'share', because I still talk of her in the present tense. This video has helped me understand many things. Thank you author.

I almost cried from this video,ur story telling is amazing it really makes u think about ur loved ones

Idc, I will never let a family member die alone. Just imagine that, how sad and lonely that would be.

Man this is so sad. I have already started making up scenarios in my head when my loved ones are about to leave.

I’ve been through this with both of my great grandparents and I wasn’t there for their last breath but I was there in their last days. It’s a bittersweet feeling knowing you can make them laugh but also sad because they don’t really know what’s going on. It’s hard but they’re not suffering anymore 🙌🏾

Patient : I'm I gonna survive Me as a doctor: well...tell coco I said hi

That sign cant stop me cause I cant read

Thanks for this, as a hospital chaplain it rings true. I will add the doctor provides the diagnosis; however, there is a much larger team around that supports the patient and family. Nurses, social workers, physical/occupational therapists, nursing assistants, and chaplains. I have helped doctors have these conversations and helped the doctor put words to the hard truth of and end-of-life decision.

Im 13 and my mum died 2 years ago it was very difficult to get through but keep 1 thing in mind family is everything and thay are there for you if your there for them

This video gave me flashbacks from when my father was in the hospital following a motorcycle accident. The deathbed delirium was very unnerving. Dad was calling cows to come to the barn, talking to his father, singing, and other things. In between one of his bouts of delerium, he put his hand on my shoulder and said, "You know, boy, I've always admired you". I still get choked up thinking about it. Thank you for this video. ❤️

Doctor: Are you sexually active? Me: 👀 Doctor:👀 My Mom:👀

On September 26, 2019, I was thinking about a hospital and death, perhaps coincidence but strange

This was really an excellent video. I have gone through this with both parents and you guys summed it up perfectly. Thank you.

One of the most genuine video about the edge between life and death. That's the reason i am a huge fan of infographics. Keep the great work of spreading knowledge which is the ultimate key 🗝 for life.

Brings back memories of my mother on her deathbed. I was right there with her the whole time. Even to the last breath

I was with my dad when he went into the hospital and that was the last time that we spent the day just me and him. I was with him when he went into the hospital but i didn't realize that he wasn't going to leave it alive because 3 months later 1 week before his birthday(2 weeks before mine) he pass while in hospice with my mom by his side. Me and my 2 younger brothers weren't there but when my mom called us we drove as fast as my car could go to be there by his side. It tough losing someone especially when they mean so much to you. But it may not soon but one day we will see each other again and when that day comes hopefully I've made him proud.

I won't lie, I couldn't help but cry at the end. My grandmother passed away a few years ago, the first death I experienced of someone close to me. I wasn't there when she died and ever since, I felt incredibly guilty. I miss her so, so much!

I'm currently going through the horrible process of sorting all my uncles stuff as he has been diagnosed with terminal lung cancer this video has helped me a little but still got a hard journey ahead

That poorly labelled pie chart has got me dying inside (Edit: Over 80 likes!!! Thanks!!!)

"So uhh... how's death going?"

As a nurse of 40+ years who has been with hundreds of dying patients, sometimes dying is a very private thing. I have seen many a patient hold on to life until the family leaves the room before they die. It might also be worthwhile to share, especially for those facing decisions about IVs and feeding tubes: they’re not dying because they’re not eating, they’re not eating because they’re dying. There. Ones a time when things of this earth are no longer important to a person who is preparing to leave it.

My father in law was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer in Nov. 2019, he passed away 1-6-2020. he was put on life support, on a Saturday until his body couldn’t handle it... he passed just 3 days later. All I can say is be there for the person, stay positive. I was fortunate to be there when he passed. It gave me peace of mind that he wasn’t alone. During is last minutes of life I had family tell him their final goodbyes over speaker. it was so hard to leave him afterwards, I spent a few hours holding his hand. I still can’t believe he is gone. My babies lost an amazing grandfather.

"I spent a week dying in a palliative care home, here's what I learned" **que angry girlfriend noises

Wether you're a king or a street sweeper, everybody dances with the grim reaper

So my grandmother has been very ill for a little while. She raised me, alone. And I've always been too afraid to think of the end of her story, but honestly this video helped a lot. It made me cry, but helped a lot. Thank you, Infographics.

You guys are seriously awesome, this was one of the most touching videos i have ever watched on RU-vid.

When my Dad was in the hospital, we were called in because his breathing was labored. I found him in a coma like state. The nurse said "Talk to your Dad so he wakes up". 20 mins or so later, we inquired again since they said he wasn't "in a coma". After a little pressure, she said "Your dad is dying". We were upset she wasn't more forthcoming sooner so other siblings and grandchildren may have had a chance to arrive before he gave up the ghost an hour or so later.

It's going to come to us all whether we want it to or not

My grandmother just past today and this video helped me realize not to be regretful about not being their by her side but yesterday I got to tell her I love her, kiss her on the cheek, and get one last personal and family photo with her. She couldn't say it but i know she was happy we were all there being ourselves. Thank you for this video. Its really helping right now

this is so true last year my gran dad die i was at the hospice and to be honest i saw what was going on and this video is spot on with all the facts and it gives me a bit of closer of what he might have been think thank you infograph show / staff who work on this

100th lol keep up the daily uploads. Have u got a vid about Golipoli in WW1

When a RU-vid channel teaches you more about coping with dying loved ones than hospital staff...

my uncle died in hospice, he had stage 4 osteosarcoma, the last day I saw him, a week before he died, I played his favorite song for him on guitar and even though he had lost feeling in his legs, he was moving his toes to the beat. Knowing that I made him happy in his last few days helps bring me some peace when I miss him

I took off a month from work to take care of my grandfather when he was in his last days. He was my best friend. It was the hardest thing I've ever been through. He said some of the meanest things I've ever heard come out of his mouth but I don't regret one second of it. I know he didn't know what he was saying most of the time. I'm glad I could be there for him.

One of my cousins was gave less than like 5 months to live like 21 years ago.

When my dad died, I told the nurse giving him an xray that I wasn't leaving my dad, he'd just had a small complication and we had gone there late, I'd been sleeping when we got the call, so I was tired, and fresh out of AIT, so I went in summer pt's to the hospital and laid down on the floor and had a lead blanket over me and my mom left the room, something tells me it was either respect or no wanting to be thrown out a 3rd story window

I am starting med school this Monday, so you’re right on time

When my grandmother passed away I wasn't informed till she was already unconscious, I never really had that chance to say goodbye when I saw her. I recently found out that my father has opted out of treatment and I'm personally taking as much time as I can tobe with him, when I am not working and such, I'm just glad in knowing that this time I not only have the opportunity to say goodbye but just the ability to spend time with him in general. Honestly, I think the hardest part of all this is just seeing someone that's always been just a big guy become so week and fragile.

Thanks for having me think about death while I'm about to go to sleep🤦🏾‍♂️

Yeah as a patient I can confirm this

that’s so sad... imagine how terrifying that would be to be so close to biting the dust as well as being so completely self aware of it.

Needed this. Thank you..

Yep, I spent years living on in-home palliative care, and in home hospice twice. 4 months the first Time and 9 months the second time.This last experience changed my life for the better. Still, I have the illness that put me there, but I am grateful for this part of my life. Edit; I find it a bit Ironic that now I sell health and life ins.

Sir he is in a state of emergency! Does he have insurance? *No* PUSHES HOSPITAL BED INTO THE STREETS

When my grandma had stage 4 pancreatic cancer, I remember her staring at the ceiling fan and wondering why there was a three-headed giraffe in the room haha. It hurt for a long time when she passed, but now I'm happy that I can look back at those days and know that, delirious or not, she knew she was loved. I wouldn't have missed it for the world.

One of the best shows made for the channel. Thank you.

1:55 Everyone :( Doctor: :D

U tryna give us a "you vs krampus" video around christmas time.

Thanks, Infographics. This meant a lot to me

Hi infographics. you probally wont see this but i love your vids and it always makes me happy to watch and cures my boredom. Thank you!

Do you remember where you were before conception and birth? Well when you die that is where you go back to. Enjoy your life, love the people in your life and live for the day.

On my way home from school -does not cry Cry's on inside

My grandmother died unexpectedly of a heart attack in her 60s back in May. It was a very hard time but I was comforted by the fact that the last words we said to each other some time before was "I love you." Always tell the the people you love that you love them, it might be the last time you do and it can bring a lot of comfort.

that song makes me feel sad and I don't even have any experiences in that situation

Infographics: *uploads a new video* Me: *99% level of stress*

Doctor: “You’ll have to take one of these pills, every day, for the rest of your life.” Patient: “Why aren’t there any refills?”

I'm going through a heartbreak and an identity crisis and this is something that I needed rather than those videos where they talk about shallow superficial happy thoughts that don't lead to anything profound. Thanks infographics...

This is a hard hitting subject. I went threw this with my mother a year ago, she passed at the age of 37 to stage 4 lung cancer and she wasn't a smoker. The last 2 weeks were the hardest cuz it spread to her brain and she started to hallucinate Harry Potter characters and such. It was a hard time and still is, she survived little under a year of her diagnosis. Still miss her a lot.