Glioblastoma: what to know about the last days

A person may spend more time asleep, respond less, become confused, or have difficulty swallowing. Breathing can become irregular, with pauses or noisy secretions. Hands and feet may feel cool, and urine may become less frequent. These changes can be distressing to witness, but they are not a reliable clock; the clinical team can explain what they mean in context.

Comfort is the priority. The team may adjust medicines for pain, agitation, nausea, seizures or breathlessness. Read more about glioblastoma and its care options on the condition page.

Speak calmly, identify yourself and hold the person's hand if welcomed. Do not force food, fluids or tablets when swallowing is unsafe; ask about mouth care and alternative medicine routes. Keep the room comfortable, reduce unnecessary noise and follow the written plan from the palliative or oncology team.

Ask about home nursing, equipment and who to call overnight. Radiotherapy, brain tumour surgery, chemotherapy or a clinical trial may not be appropriate at this stage, but the team should explain the reasoning and alternatives.

Call the care team for uncontrolled pain, distress, repeated seizures, severe agitation, choking or breathing difficulty. If there is no agreed urgent plan and the person is unresponsive, struggling to breathe or has a prolonged seizure, contact local emergency services. Follow any documented wishes and keep the medication list nearby.

Which changes are expected now? How should we give medicines if swallowing stops? Who can visit at home, and what should we do after death?