If anyone has experienced the loss of a loved one,  you can relate to the following statement. Were you actually ready? Are there signs that someone is going to die?  Although, there is no exact time-line or how a person is going to die, but someone with terminal cancer may have signs to look for.  If your loved one has chosen to be placed in hospice care, they will  have a nurse to help them go painlessly. Some symptoms that may occur when someone is already dying with a terminal condition would be breathing changes, excessive sleeping, decreased appetite, urinary and bowel changes.  From experience in watching a loved one pass in hospice, it doesn’t make it any easier to see the signs or symptoms.  When a loved one dies with a medical condition such as liver or heart disease, we must examine ourselves for possible life threatening illnesses. You can discuss your current health status with the doctor to see if you are at risk for cancer. In my opinion, no one is ever ready for someone to die.  But if you have a terminal disease and all has been done, then you need to prepare yourself and others to deal with what is about to happen.

As sad as it is losing someone, the next step is the grieving process.  After someone you love dies, it is normal to go through a grieving period. This could last up to 3 years and although you never forget the person the pain will lessen.  Death is a natural thing but can also be very painful for those of us left behind.  Grieving is a very common reaction to a love one dying.  There are many stages of grief and everyone grieves differently.  Some survivors often wonder if their grief is normal. Everyone will grieve in many different ways and some may go into shock. Denial and anger towards other family members is normal. All of these are natural feelings and if should you lose someone it is important to talk to a medical professional to help you with these feelings.  Some may even need medication to deal with death.

If someone you know is dying, it may be helpful for you and your family members to educate yourselves on what is happening and what signs to look for based on the terminal condition they have.  This way it could make it a lot easier for you and your family to deal with the death that is to come.