The cancer has spread throughout the body, and the condition is considered terminal.
However, the timeline for when a person passes can vary significantly.
There are several symptoms seen in individuals with colon cancer that indicate death may be near.
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Pain
One of the most fearedsymptoms of deathis pain.
If your loved one is dying from colon cancer, they most likely have diffuse metastases.
That means their cancer has spread from the colon to other organs and lymph nodes.
Metastatic cancer often causes pain in the location where the cancer has spread.
When someone withcancer experiences pain, their healthcare provider may prescribe opioid narcotics or powerful pain medicines.
Individuals nearing the end of life often sleep a lot more.
This can make it challenging to know if theirloved one is in pain.
Withdrawal
Coming in and out of consciousness is typical during the weeks before the end of life.
But in thedays and hours preceding death, most people enter a sleeping or almost comatose-like state.
Withdrawing is not a voluntary choiceyour loved one is not ignoring you.
To make them more comfortable, try elevating the head of the bed and consider offering less fluids.
Gurgling is not thought to cause people discomfort, though it may be distressing to those around them.
Your loved one may see things in the room, angels, or even people you cannot see.
Medications may help calm them and decrease these symptoms.
Instead, give them calm, gentle reassurance.
The Rally
A rally happens when someone who is dying develops moments of complete clarity or alertness.
They might even request food after abstaining for days.
A rally may last up to a few days or occur just for a moment or two before death.
Stage 4 colon cancer is often considered terminal cancer.
This is because cancer that has spread throughout the body is far more challenging to treat.
The early stages of colon cancer are often asymptomatic.
Sometimes, individuals refer to advanced stage 4 colon cancer as stage 5 colon cancer.
Medically, there is no stage 5 colon cancer.
You may see additional symptoms depending on where the cancer spreads.
The liver is a common place for colon cancer to spread and can result in jaundice.
Summary
It is often helpful to understand the death and dying process when colon cancer is terminal.
Healthcare providers will likely ensure your loved one has pain medications to reduce discomfort.
Many individuals receive care from specialty providers such as palliative care providers and hospice nurses.
Some people, but not all, develop moments of clarity and alertness soon before they pass.
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