In the beginning, Regina Ciriack's primary response was fear. Fear of dying. The Berliner had already dealt with a lot: Lung cancer, and a brain tumor. But there is no cure for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, a lung disease also known as COPD. The alveoli in the lungs are destroyed; the lung capacity decreases; breathlessness and panic attacks follow — and in the end, death.

The 67-year-old wants to make the most of her last months, and to make her own decisions on what happens to her and when. Her husband and children have supported her as much as they can. But Ciriack also wants a professional death companion at her side, someone who has already seen what's in store for her and can take away her fear of death.

A report by Sylvia Wassermann.