Brittany Maynard sheds light on taboo subject of death

Brittany Maynard may only have a few weeks left to witness the effects her story has had on a nation in debate over aid-in-dying laws.

She's set Nov. 1 as a goal before she will consider taking the life-ending medication.

While her story hasn't been public for long, Maynard's pleased it's moved people to rekindle a conversation so often dismissed.

"You know, death can be kind of a taboo subject in our culture," she said. "But this is a real thing and people of all different ages die. They get sick and we have to talk about it. We have to vote on this issue. It matters and it matters to a lot of people."

While she's has admitted to being afraid, the hard work of others ensuring that she won't have to suffer through periods of unconsciousness or lose her speech -- all possible affects of a brain tumor -- is a tremendous relief.

And yet, she has to live with dramatic changes in her life already brought about by the disease and treatment.

"Every single part of who I was building myself into and-- and my life, like, in the way has been altered," she said.

Her plans to be a teacher and raise a family have been shattered.

"It's taken away my ability to drive because I have seizures now," she said. "And it's taken away my ability to have the job that I had that I loved. And it's taken away my ability to continue to try to have children with my husband."

She's not afraid to talk about what she calls the "petty" side of cancer either.

Maynard said she's put on 25 pounds in three months -- unrelated to her diet -- and doesn't like the idea of appearing on TV.

"You can pretty much take any aspect of my life from what may seem like a small, petty thing, to these huge, monumental, life changes. It's all been altered by my illness," she said.

But she said that's where the selflessness of her family comes in.

"Everyone's been bending over backwards to make sure that I don't suffer; and I don't want them to suffer either," Maynard said. "I can't imagine watching any of them go through it. So if this was their choice, it would be difficult, but I would support them as well."