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One of the first Canadians to formally ask for a doctor’s help in ending his life early says he has been reduced to a skeleton of his former self, experiences unbearable pain and nausea and, despite a true love of life, is facing death without fear.

In an affidavit filed in court Friday to support his request, the man also said he is lucid and able to choose his fate without coercion or influence.

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The 80-year-old immigrant explained that he has led a “wonderful” existence since arriving in Canada but that painkillers are unable to control the agony of the blood cancer that has spread into his spine.

He also cannot control his bodily functions, or perform any of the basic activities of life without help from others, the affidavit notes.

“For all my love of life, I do not fear death. In the early stages of the disease, I fought back hard as long as there was hope for recovery,” he said. “Only when the pain became too much to bear and it became evident that there was no positive outcome did I turn my focus to managing my own death. I have a strong wish to die with dignity at the time of my choosing.”