MY rat is dieing

Question
I'll make this question short and sweet. My rat trouble is dyng. she has a large tumor. i took her to the vet and she told me that I should let her die on her own. while I agree with this because I want her to live a full life (she's my best friend#.
I want to know why her behavior has suddenly become erratic and ill tempered. she no longer sleeps in her igloo #her favorite hiding spot) she now generally resides in her food bowl. Why is this? What can I expect as further behavioral changes as she comes closer to her demise? Please help, my best friend is dying and I want her to be comfortable.

Answer
She may be in pain, which is why her attitude is deteriorating; and she finds it easier to reach things if she stays in one central location. I'd imagine over the next few days to weeks you'll notice her appetite go down, and she'll quit responding so much to everything around her. She may bite/snap when you pick her up, if she is in fact in pain. I'd recommend bringing the food to her, and try to make it easy-to-eat stuff (i.e; soft foods, etc.).

I do have to mention, though; she isn't living a full life if she's suffering -- she's living a pained end. It may be in her best interest to euthanize her and save her these last few days/weeks of pain.

I'm so sorry to hear this. :( My thoughts are with you.