Henrietta's Terminal Illness and Intense Suffering

Key Insight

By September 1951, Henrietta's body was almost entirely consumed by tumors, which had grown on her diaphragm, bladder, and lungs, blocking her intestines and causing her belly to swell as if she were six months pregnant. Her kidneys could no longer filter toxins, leading to continuous nausea and a need for frequent blood transfusions. However, these transfusions were eventually halted by a doctor who noted 'until her deficit with the blood bank was made up,' indicating the overwhelming demand. Her physical deterioration was stark, as she withered from 140 pounds to approximately 100 pounds.

During this advanced stage of her illness, Henrietta endured excruciating pain, manifested in severe convulsions that necessitated her being strapped to her hospital bed at her wrists and ankles to prevent her from falling. Her body would become 'rigid as a board,' and she would 'scream' and 'wail like she been possessed by the devil of pain itself' during these fits. Her sister Gladys resorted to placing a pillow in her mouth to prevent her from biting her tongue, illustrating the intensity of her suffering witnessed firsthand by her family, who described her as 'sick like I never seen.'

The severity of her condition led to a significant medical decision on September 24, 1951, when a doctor administered a 'heavy dose of morphine' and ordered the discontinuation of all treatments and medications except analgesics. Two days later, Henrietta awoke terrified and disoriented, briefly forgetting her own name. Soon after, she consciously told Gladys she was 'going to die,' accepting her imminent passing. Henrietta ultimately died at 12:15 a.m. on October 4, 1951, concluding her battle with the aggressive cancer.