
And the order in which signs and symptoms occur may differ. The signs and symptoms that people experience vary. These dream-like experiences often include traveling, preparing for travel, or being welcomed by people who have died.Ī tendency to drift in and out of consciousness and gradually becoming less and less responsive to touch or voice. It is not a cause for concern unless these hallucinations scare or upset the person who is ill. Seeing or hearing people or things that are not there. Restlessness or repetitive, involuntary movements.Ĭonfusion about time, place, and identity of people, including family members and close friends.

FINAL MOMENTS BEFORE DEATH SKIN
These sounds may concern others, but the person who is dying is not aware of them.Ĭool skin that may turn a bluish, dusky color, especially in the person’s hands and feet.

Noisy breathing, with congestion and gurgling or rattling sounds as the person becomes unable to clear fluids from the throat. Wanting to have only a few people nearby and limiting time spent with visitors.Īs the last days of life approach, you may see the following signs and symptoms:īreathing may slow, sometimes with very long pauses between breaths. Loss of interest in the outside world, news, politics, entertainment, and local events. Little interest in doing things that were previously important. Minimal or no appetite and difficulty eating or swallowing fluids.ĭecreased ability to talk and concentrate. The following are signs and symptoms that suggest a person with cancer may be entering the final weeks of life:Ī need to sleep much of the time, often spending most of the day in bed or resting. Knowing what to expect helps relieve anxiety and allows better planning. But some common signs and symptoms show that a person is entering the final weeks and days of life. It is not always possible to predict how long someone will live. Signs of approaching deathĭeath from cancer usually occurs after a person has become weaker and more tired over several weeks or months. And, they will do everything possible to ensure that the person dying is comfortable. Regardless of the situation, the health care team will provide the best care possible through the end of life. For example, providing care at home instead of a hospital or hospice facility may include more responsibilities for caregivers. Responsibilities of caregivers may differ based on where the person with cancer is receiving care. As a person nears the end of his or her life, it is difficult to know what to expect.
