The Progression of Augustus's Cancer and Death

Augustus's decline from the revelation of his recurrence to his final moments, including his struggle with pain, loss of dignity, and eventual death.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

Return from Amsterdam

Return from Amsterdam The Flight Home On the plane, Augustus is in pain. He takes medication. Hazel cares for him. They talk about Van Houten's cruelty. Telling the Parents Hazel's father picks them up. He already knows about Augustus's recurrence. Hazel tells her parents she loves Augustus. The New Normal Augustus begins palliative chemotherapy. He has a PICC line. Hazel visits daily. They play video games and talk.

The Decline

The Decline Loss of Strength Augustus grows weaker. He uses a wheelchair. He loses weight. His hair thins. He is often in pain. The G-Tube He gets a G-tube for nutrition. He hates it. He feels humiliated. The Last Good Day Augustus has a brief period of relative wellness. He organizes a prefuneral. He and Hazel go to Funky Bones and drink champagne.

The Gas Station Incident

The Gas Station Incident Sneaking Out Augustus sneaks out of the house to buy cigarettes. His G-tube malfunctions. He ends up at a Speedway gas station, covered in vomit. Hazel's Rescue Hazel gets a call. She drives to the gas station. She finds him in agony. She calls 911. The Breakdown Augustus breaks down, crying and screaming. He says he hates himself. Hazel holds him and recites a poem. The ambulance arrives.

The Final Days

The Final Days Hospitalization Augustus is admitted to the ICU. He is unconscious for long periods. His family gathers. Hazel's Visits Hazel visits but is not allowed to stay long. She talks to him even when he is unconscious. She tells him she loves him. The Death Augustus dies in the ICU with his parents and sisters present. Hazel receives the call at 3:30 AM. She is devastated.

The Funeral

The Funeral The Visitation Hazel attends the visitation. She places a pack of cigarettes in his coffin. She whispers to him. The Service The minister gives a platitude-filled sermon. Isaac and Hazel speak. Hazel gives her eulogy about infinite numbers. Van Houten's Appearance Peter Van Houten shows up drunk. He tries to give Hazel a cryptic answer. Hazel dismisses him. She feels angry and sad.

May 7, return flight

Weeks after Amsterdam

Night, about a week before his death

Last week of Augustus's life

Five days after his death