I’m not really sure this is a question anyone can/will answer. Not even the doctors are making an attempt to estimate, but the not knowing is driving all the family insane. We need time to prepare and work through things but aren’t getting any advice on what time we have left to do so. So I’m hoping maybe someone on here will have a similar experience and could advise on what their experience was. 

Sadly on 2nd January my grandad was diagnosed with primary oesophageal cancer, with multiple metastases to his liver and brain. There is also fluid around his heart and lungs which the doctors aren’t sure of without biopsies (but aren’t going to do them to find out). We were told it was incurable, they weren’t going to investigate further or attempt any treatment. He’s now been sent home on palliative care from community nurses. However since being diagnosed he has deteriorated each and every day. He has lost movement of both legs, one of his arms and is struggling to talk. The doctor has said that the masses on his brain are causing him to become ‘locked in’ meaning that all though he understands everything around him, his body will no longer work. We’ve been told it maybe only a week before he loses all movement. 

So my question is; how long does this go on for? Will he be in a locked in state for weeks/month before passing? Is the end sadly near? 
It’s all happening so quickly and suddenly and as the doctors have refused to do biopsies they won’t give us any sort of time frame. Has anyone been through similar to this before? How do you prepare to lose a loved and cherished member of the family without actually knowing when you will lose them and what will happen to them? 

Thankyou in advance for any advice/support.