Anyone know some of the final signs of life?

Question

My mom is terminally ill and recently took a turn for the worse. Can anyone tell me some of the indications that the end is near?

I'm looking for some examples of physical and mental behavior - preferrably from someone who lost a close love one.... My mom is dying from breast cancer, mesticized into bone cancer.

Answer 1

Everyone is different. A lot of patients get better briefly before they get worse and go. Hospice is a very good program and we used it for my grandmother who died of lung cancer. Also, I have treated many terminal patients. They are close to passing when they begin to breath less than 12 times a min. They will also begin to breath like a fish does out of water. Although this is a sign that it is soon, some patients will hang on for as long as a day. However, this is usually a good time to say your last good byes. God bless you in this hard time.

Answer 2

Knowing the normal physical processes can make this time more peaceful. When a person is close to death, a natural series of changes occurs. These changes usually are not medical emergencies and the goal at this point is to keep the dying person as comfortable as possible.

A person nearing death may stop talking or responding and begin sleeping more and more as his body changes how it uses energy. Always assume that he can hear, even if he seems unconscious and no longer communicates. Keep talking to her and touch her if touching provides comfort.

The skin, especially on the hands and feet, may look blue and blotchy. This is called mottling and is caused by slow blood circulation. The underside of his body may become darker. You may notice a bluish gray color around the mouth or paleness in the face.

Your loved one may focus less and less energy on the world around her. She may appear to lose interest in surroundings, favorite pastimes and visitors. Her energy is limited and she may want only to be with one or two people. Respect this period of withdrawal. Though it can be a sad time for family and friends, this can be a peaceful time for your loved one. Your presence is the most important gift you can offer during this period.

Breathing patterns often change as the body continues to shut down. You may notice period of rapid, shallow breathing. Or you may see shallow breathing with a space of five to 60 seconds between breaths. This is called Cheyne-Stokes breathing.

Even during the dying process, a person continues to protect and nurture those he or she loves. For many sick persons, death is a very private act and they will wait for the few brief minutes they can be alone to slip away. Others will wait until they are alone with one or two special persons to let go. Still others will leave amid a circle of loving faces around their bedsides. However death occurs, trust that it was probably they way your loved one chose it to be.

Though you have been present during the dying process, the actual moment of death will be powerful. Each person will experience it differently. The signs that death has occurred are

No breathing for a prolonged period of time
No heartbeat
Eyes fixed and slightly open, with enlarged pupils
Jaw relaxed, with the mouth slightly open.

I hope this helps you

Answer 3

Hi... I am very sorry about your mom! My mom died a few years ago from lung cancer and I remember that when she was close to the end she became less aware of what was going on....she reverted more into herself. she would have "waking dreams" (for lack of a better phrase) and talk to people that weren't there at times and sometimes I felt like she was looking past me to someplace else...it was kind of weird. this all began a couple of weeks prior to her death.

Answer 4

Besides all of the above, my grandmother (who died of a brain tumor) started getting restless and picking at her clothes when she got really near to the end. The hospice people said this was a really common sign that death was pretty much imminent. I'm really sorry to hear about your situation, and pray that you and your family can get through this. I've been through this twice with cancer, and I know, it sucks.

Answer 5

anything extreme opposite of a normal life is a sign.
pain, loss of energy etc. life is a choice. your mother or one of her bloodline family member did some wrong choices in life and have to pay but your mom chooses to give up. its all in the genes. tell her to fight and figure out how to correct the imbalance, her body is telling her something wasn't right, her mind should listen. the solution should within reach. search and you will find.. .only rely on what your body is telling you, not the doctor, all they do is test, and test based on books and wait what happens. lots of expenses and no difference, its just a waste of time and money. she made a wrong choice and she has to work for it not pass on the doctor and relax.
don't worry too much. Life will always take its course of its choice. if it wants to live, it will fight, if it gives up and chooses not to live no one can do anything to stop it.

Answer 6

I suggest that you contact your local hospice. Those folks have a lot of experience and are there to provide answers and service. I'm so sorry to hear about your mom. Bless you.

Answer 7

I don't know but your doctor or hospice could answer for you my dear much prayers are with you

Answer 8

paramedicguy said all i could and better. he's right on the money. i'm so very sorry to hear of your mom. you're in my prayers. god bless.