I had EXACTLY the same question when my dear friend, Andy, finally got on hospice care. I helped take care of him for the last year of his life as he battled glioma and was there for his last breaths at home. I cornered the nurses, and privately pressed them to tell me EXACTLY what I could expect in his last times. Many evaded the question, until finally, in tears I begged. One wonderful nurse talked me through the three possibilities, all the way through. He let me know what were the general signs and symptoms of each step. There ARE things you can know and I found it soothing to know them. It was still intense without all that fear. I am now a hospice volunteer and I would recommend you talk directly to your hospice staff. Be straight up with them and ask allllll your questions until you feel clear. I�d be happy to give you the straight scoop, from my understanding and learning. Just send me a private e-mail with your questions and I�ll be as straight with you as I can.
with deep respect for truth,
Thalia