AboutMargot RN BScN CGN Expertise I nursed my own Mother and Grandmother at home when they were dying so I have personal experience with the emotions involved. I have also spent the last 15+ years as a Registered Nurse caring for The Elderly and Terminally Ill and it has brought me great satisfaction. I am willing to answer any questions I can.
Experience
Past/Present clients Hundreds of Long Term Care Residents as well as hundreds of Cleitns and families in the community (including my Mother and Grandmother).
My mother-in-law is in pallative care at my home. She has stage 4 DLCL and has been given 3 months life expectancy, she has refused treatment. Although it is hard to put a time on life and death, that 3 month mark is almost here.
Most recently her ankle (left) has become swollen, sshe had a rash (red spots) across her stomach area; which she says is not itchy and coughing up alot of mukus. When she coughs up this mukus sometimes it gets lodged in her throat and her breath stops a little and there is also some gurgling when it is lodged or trying to come up.
When talking toa friend the swelling around the ankle is a sign that the time is near?
Basically, I want to know are these symptoms associated with the body beginning to enter it's final stages? And what other symptoms should we expect? When it is time do they go through pain or in their sleep?
Also, based on your experience have people livedmuch longer than the expected time or are the doctor's generally right?
Answer Hello Kathy and thanks for writing,
Swelling alone is not a clear indication that her system is starting to shut down, but it may indicate the kidney's are starting to fail and/or she has some heart failure.
Normally signs that the end is getting near is increased sleepiness, decreased appetite and cool/blue extrmeties, especially the feet.
