I had a dream last night in which a professor I've never met apparently thought very positive and highly of my application in a program to which I didn't apply! Nevertheles, I was stoked to hear it!
If I don't get in, I will most likely travel overseas where I have some family and look for work/travel. I expect my life to take a crazy turn. This last year has been pretty crazy with MA work, thesis, defense, lots of stress and anxiety, and a breakup. So I guess, in a way, I have everything and nothing riding on this phd gig
I emailed all the programs my updated and final MA transcript after the application deadlines. All the program coordinators were super nice about it. If you think your semester grades will improve your application (improve your gpa etc) definitely do it.
Yeah I've heard of some people getting admitted with 2/3 letters too. This is good news considering I only have 1 more letter that needs to be uploaded to 3 more programs with deadlines on Jan 15.
Most schools, if not all, have online application systems which require you to notify your recommender by listing his email address. The system then emails your recommender and sends him a password. The recommender then has to log in to the system, type in the password, then upload his letter. Also, bear in mind that you can't even set up your online application until a couple of months before the application deadline.
What this means for you is;
Your prof may not be around to upload his letters and I don't think there is any way to start the application months in advance.
I would personally feel a little weird asking a dying man for a letter of recommendation. This doesn't mean you shouldn't. You obviously know the person and this may not be an issue for them. In any case you might want to talk to the programs you're interest in about this unique issue. They may let you mail in the letters of recommendation.
Best of luck.