People have always been curious about what it feels like to die, but with all the medical testing available today, it is estimated that 90% of all Americans will die after living for weeks, months, or even years with the knowledge that they have a fatal disease. With that knowledge in hand, they (and their loved ones) want to know what the dying process will feel like. WHAT DOES IT FEEL LIKE TO DIE? answers their questions and fills the gap between bestselling books written by medical professionals or caregivers advocating a change in the health care system (eg Being Mortal. Knocking on Heaven's Door) and highly individual stories about death (When Breath Becomes Air, Smoke Gets in Your Eyes--which is actually about what happens after we die). In WHAT DOES IT FEEL LIKE TO DIE?, Jennie Dear combines the latest research and medical findings with her own experiences as a hospice volunteer and caregiver to answer the questions we all want to know. As a long-time hospice volunteer, Jennie Dear has helped countless patients, families, and caregivers cope with the many challenges of the dying process. Inspired by her own personal journey with her mother's long-term illness, Dear demystifies the experience of dying for everyone whose lives it touches. She spoke to doctors, nurses, and caregivers, as well as families, friends, and the patients themselves. The result is a brilliantly researched, eye-opening account that combines the latest medical findings with sensitive human insights to offer real emotional support and answers to some of the questions that affect us all. Does dying hurt? A frank discussion of whether dying has to be painful--and why it sometimes is even when treatment is readily available. Is there a better way to cope with dying? Comforting stories of people who found peace in the face of death , and some of the expert methods they used for getting there. The last few hours: What does it feel like to die? Powerful glimpses from dedicated professionals into the physical experiences of people in their final moments--plus comforting words and insights from those who are there to help.