6 "manifestations" of cancer death as approaching, everyone needs to know

Author: Tencent Medical Code Oncology Editorial Group

As death approaches, certain signs and symptoms can help caregivers predict the onset of a patient's death.

It's important to note that everyone's experience at the end of life is different, and what happens to one person may not happen to another.

At the same time, the presence of one or more of these symptoms does not necessarily mean that the patient is close to death.

These signs and symptoms are described below and some treatment recommendations are provided.

First, the patient begins to alienate friends and family

Patients usually focus their attention deep inside themselves in the last few weeks of life.

This doesn't necessarily mean that the patient is unhappy or depressed, nor does it mean they don't like their caregiver. This is due to a decrease in oxygen supply to the brain, a slowdown in blood flow, or the patient's beginning of psychological preparation for death.

They may lose interest in people or things they used to like, such as favorite TV shows, friends, and pets.

The caregiver can let the patient know that they will always support him/her, and even if the patient is unable to respond, he/she may know and hear.

Expert advice: It may be helpful to allow patients to do things as they wish.

If he/she really wants to chat, he or she may want to reminisce about past joys and sorrows, or connect some bits and pieces.

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Second, the patient's sleep habits have changed

Patients experience frequent drowsiness, increased sleep duration, and may also maintain intermittent sleep or wake up feeling sleepy.

Worries and worries can cause insomnia at night, and caregivers can ask the patient if they would like to be accompanied by him/her while he/she is asleep.

As time goes on, the patient sleeps more and more, and the caregiver should continue to talk to them and still be able to hear the sounds around them even if he/she is in an unconscious state.

Third, the patient has uncontrollable pain

As the cancer progresses, it becomes more difficult to control the pain.

It is important to provide painkillers regularly, and caregivers need to consult with a palliative care physician or pain doctor to use the medication correctly and at the right dosage.

In addition, there are some other methods of controlling pain, such as massage and some relaxation techniques.

Fourth, the patient becomes weaker and weaker

Weakness and fatigue increase over time.

Patients can be in a mixed situation, so they need more help with their daily personal care and walking around.

Caregivers should help patients to save as much energy as possible, as physical strength is very important to them at this time.

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5. The patient has a change of appetite

When the body gradually declines, the amount of food that cancer patients need usually decreases.

Loss of appetite is caused by the body's need to conserve energy, as well as the body's ability to digest and absorb food.

When to eat or drink should be chosen according to the patient's wishes, and caregivers can provide a small amount of food that the patient likes.

Because chewing requires energy, they may prefer softer foods such as milk, juice, or pudding.

If the patient does not have difficulty swallowing, provide some liquid food, and if they are unable to sit up and eat, they can eat with a straw.

In addition, patients can help keep their lips moist by applying lip balm or by wiping them with a soft damp cloth.

Sixth, the patient has a mental disorder

Towards the end of life, people often have confusion or half-dreaming and half-awake.

They will not be able to make a sober judgment about the time, place, and identity of those around them, and caregivers can quietly remind the patient where they are and who they are with, so that the patient can stay calm and feel at ease.

But if the patient is emotional, the caregiver should not try to control them, and when the situation is more serious, the caregiver can inform the medical worker to help the patient control the emotions by using some treatment methods.

Sometimes the patient will say that he/she can see relatives who have passed away and can even talk to them. Patients may mention that they are about to embark on a journey and can see bright lights, butterflies, or other things that we cannot see.

As long as these things don't upset the patient, caregivers may want to ask them to say more. Caregivers can also allow patients to share their expectations and dreams without denying the illusions they see.

The process of death:

Urinary and urinary incontinence may occur due to lax pelvic muscles.

Caregivers should provide patients with clean, dry bedding and comfortable personal care products. Disposable mats can be placed on the patient's bed and replaced in time when they get dirty.

In addition, due to decreased renal function and reduced fluid intake, patients may have a decreased urine output, be dark in color, and be accompanied by a pronounced odor.

Breathing rates can become faster and slower, but the patient himself will not notice, at which point the caregiver should inform the doctor of these changes.

In addition, saliva and mucus in the throat and upper respiratory tract can make the breathing sound rattling or gurgling.

Although these symptoms may seem very disturbing, patients generally do not feel any pain at this stage. The patient's body can be turned to one side and pillows can be placed on the back and head, which can make breathing smoother.

If the patient develops symptoms of shortness of breath, the caregiver may also apply to the medical staff for a humidifier or oxygen mask to make the patient breathe more smoothly.

The patient's skin will turn blue in color and the skin will become cooler, which is caused by a slowing down of the blood flow rate, which will not cause pain or discomfort to the patient.

Caregivers should avoid using electric blankets or heating pads to help keep the patient warm, which will only cause burns, and a small blanket can be used to help keep the patient warm.

What are the signs of a patient's death?

No more breathing, no pulse.

The eyeball is stationary, no longer blinking, the pupil is dilated (dilated), and the eyelids may be slightly open.

The chin relaxes and the mouth opens slightly.

Incontinence.

No response to other people's touches or words.

The skin becomes pale and cool to the touch.

Image source: Stand Cool Helo

What do family members need to do after a patient dies?

After the patient's death, the family does not have to rush to arrange the aftermath. Caregivers and other family members may wish to spend some time with the patient's remains.

When the family is ready, the following steps can be performed:

Lay the body face up and place a pillow under your head. If necessary, a caregiver or family member may remove their dentures or other appliances.

If the deceased underwent hospice care before his death, he or she may follow the guidance provided by the procedure.

When the family is ready, call other relatives and friends to inform them of the death.

In accordance with local regulations, contact the relevant departments to handle the death procedures and contact the funeral home.

Family members, as well as friends and family members can spend this sad moment together by comforting each other.

Bibliography:

[1] National Cancer Institute（NCI）.End-of-Life Care for People Who Have Cancer[DB/OL].https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/advanced-cancer/care-choices/care-fact-sheet,2012-05-10/2018-06-29.

*The content of this article is a popularization of health knowledge and cannot be used as a specific diagnosis and treatment recommendation, nor is it a substitute for face-to-face consultation by a practicing physician, for reference only.

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