End of life care question

One of my parents has throat, lymph, lung & stomach cancer, no more treatment is being offered. They have no pain or discomfort and feel well apart from they can no longer eat or drink as it all comes back up straight away. They have been in hospital now for 2 days on various drips because of this and has now had a tube fitted down their nose into their stomach. 
I was telling a friend who is a nurse what was happening and she suggested we try and get them out of hospital and to the hospice. I really need someone to give me a heads up if this will now be maybe the end or could they carry on for a while longer like this and the tube? Im really struggling not knowing now what time frame we have. We have never been told because my parent with cancer has said they’d rather not hear the prognosis but the people who are closest around them are now left feeling so confused as what we are dealing with, such as should we take time off, should we be trying to spend as much time as possible with them. No one seems to be saying anything or preparing us, i think because my parent is so well other than this throat tumour blocking things even they are saying they are not ready to go and i can see why but are we just in denial like how long can someone live just on a feeding tube? 

  • Hi Zs

    I'm saddened to hear your parent is on palliative care and you are struggling not knowing the prognosis.

    'should we take time off ?'   definitely

    'should we be trying to spend as much time as possible with them? '  yes before they become too unwell - no matter how long away this is. You have probably been doing this already.

    Yes you can live a long time with a feeding tube, but if a health care professional is suggesting a hospice it is probably a cue.

    Just enjoy as much time as possible with your parent and give them what support you are able to.

    Best wishes

    Ed