How Doctors Tell Patients They're Dying | Being Mortal | FRONTLINE

When Clyde Earle checked into a hospital expecting to return home, his doctor, Kathy Selvaggi, had to deliver some bad news. Our film "Being Mortal" explores issues of death, aging, and what is important in the last days of life.
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To watch our full film “Being Mortal,” click here:

[@biffalobull2335]

Two things I learned I don’t want to see:

[@akapraveen190]

The walls of Hospital's have heard more prayers than any other church, mosque & temples

[@76goddam]

The fact that he was able to say “I love you” in that state is beautiful. Rest In Peace, Clyde

[@TheWriterWalker]

Poor thing. When she began to cry, I did, too. No matter our age, we are always still little children inside.

[@AR-wg1di]

Marriage is literally agreeing to live with each other until you die. The worst part of marriage is one of you will watch the other die.

[@Massacretalitor]

Worst thing about life is seeing others end.

[@kalgin22]

“We’re going fishing…” and he never got to leave the hospital. 😢 May he rest in peace. He is so lucky to have such a loving wife by his side the entire time.

[@juliet5568]

I never thought a 5 minute video could put me on the verge of tears. I have a soft spot for the elderly. RIP Clyde.

[@claireharrison437]

I hope Clyde is sitting by a lake fishing someplace at peace.

[@Jakepianos]

Nobody:

[@MaduMadiMado]

When she said "I don't like it" and was holding back her tears, trying to be strong, that got me instantly. I've never dealt with loss in my family before. I don't know how I would manage losing my grandmother, mother, or partner.

[@vialogan]

When my husband was dying at home from pancreatic cancer, we had hospice coming in and, unfortunately, it was not a positive experience. The caring doctors in this story make a world of difference, not just for the patient, but for the loved ones who must carry on. Kudos to such wonderful physicians!

[@kapridus1144]

I’m not afraid of dying. I’m afraid that somebody that I love dies.

[@datguy5103]

I’m more afraid of my mother’s death then my own

[@linkfan160]

That second doctor they brought in has such a calm, reassuring presence. You can really tell she's good at what she does. She's so comforting and she says just what is needed to be said, no more and no less. All doctors should strive to be like this.

[@IdiotSandwich122]

Kudos to that poor woman for letting them film her in such a vulnerable moment. Because of her and her husband, we can be educated on how this conversation will go down and what to expect (if we're lucky to have compassionate doctors). A lot of us will be in her shoes some day. RIP Clyde.

[@christinadobbs6877]

Last thing my sister told me on her death bed was "It isn't fair"....she was only 44

[@sebastiancoetzee9672]

Hospitals.

[@ericpalkovich]

True heroes.