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Comment by diebir | Hacker News Reader

I am in the same boat as this woman, probably got a few good months left. I am planning self deliverance with helium as soon as symptoms become significant. For now I am just checking things off my bucket list and trying to have as many adventures as possible (I am an outdoor adventurer and a software engineer).

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Any advice or thoughts about life to those of us carrying on? No worries if not, I just figure someone in your position can be more honest than most.

Either way, thanks for sharing and I hope things go as peacefully as possible for you (and you get some adventures in there).

I know a larger than life man who is now very old. Years ago, he assured me that he would go the helium route himself, as soon as he realized his mind was slipping. I wouldn't be surprised if I hear that news any day now, although it would be quite sad news. He has many grandchildren and great grandchildren, and thousands of people like me that had the pleasure of knowing him. Perhaps you two will bump into each other in a spiritual realm, and swap stories of sailing and computer history!

This is my first time hearing of Helium. Does it have any advantages over Nitrogen?

Availability? Helium at any party store, but I thought you needed to do something illegal or jump through hoops to get laughing gas

Laughing gas is nitrous oxide (N2O). I'm talking about normal atmospheric Nitrogen (N2). Nitrogen is available anywhere and significantly cheaper than Helium. Nitrogen can be used for welding or for brewing certain types of beer.

If someone barges in asking what you're doing, you'll get a good laugh out of them?

I'm really surprised that people think Nitrogen is laughing gas. I thought everyone knew 80% of Earth's atmosphere is Nitrogen.

I meant because your voice would be high pitched from the helium...

My father died recently from cancer. He was doing well until his blood iron just dropped out. He was taken care of by the hospice so well.

They do an amazing job of making the end peaceful.

I wish you many great adventures

Sorry to hear this.

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