Signs and Symptoms in the Final Days of a Stomach Cancer Patient

In the final days of a terminal stomach cancer patient, significant physical and physiological changes occur. One of the earliest signs is a dramatic decrease in appetite and food intake. Patients often feel full quickly, even after eating small amounts, and may experience persistent bloating in the upper abdomen. Nausea, vomiting, and in some cases, vomiting of blood (hematemesis) may also be present. These symptoms are often accompanied by black, tarry stools, which indicate the presence of digested blood from gastrointestinal bleeding.

As the body begins to shut down, the patient's vital signs become increasingly unstable. Blood pressure typically drops and may require medication to maintain. The patient's mental state also deteriorates—confusion, decreased responsiveness, and apathy are common. Physical signs include a reddened tongue with reduced coating, and eventually, the tongue may become stiff and difficult to extend, indicating severe depletion of bodily functions.

In the final hours, patients often fall into a coma and lose their pupillary light reflex. Initially, the pupils may react slowly to light, but eventually, this response disappears completely. Circulation also slows, making intravenous fluids difficult to administer, as the body struggles to process them. This often leads to generalized edema, particularly in the lower extremities and trunk.

Clinically, death is confirmed when the patient exhibits complete loss of consciousness, fixed and dilated pupils, cessation of heartbeat, and absence of breathing and blood pressure. These signs collectively indicate that the body has fully shut down and that the end of life has occurred. Understanding these symptoms can help caregivers and family members prepare for the final stages and provide compassionate, informed care.