two years ago my mum was admitted to hospital, she had 5 years earlier suffered a brain hem and survived. she had a very enlarged stomach which the drs couldnt understand. after two weeks they decided to drain her tummy and when they did which they did in one day my mum collapsed. she was unwell for a few days later, bit confused but when i was there during drs visits they spoke to here as tho she could understand them, when i pointed it out that mum didnt understand them they said that tey always treated patients with the dignity they they deserved and that they should be told all about their treatment. a few days later the dr was waiting for me and told me that mum had ovarian cancer and that she had days to live, he said that they had explained this to her and it was only a matter of time, we were more upset that mum was. she was then put on the pathway which is they were not going to treat her any more if she wanted to eat and drink she could but they wouldnt force her. she had morphine as much as she needed no problem, i know mum would have wanted to know and i would also as it gives you the time to put things in order and possibly do things that you wanted to do ( if you are able) before its too late, and not be under the illusion that when i go home im not going to waste any more of my life im going to do........... but it will then be too late, i understand that everyone thinks differently and its really up to the individual if they are wiling to accept such bad news. im really sorry for your friends husband but sometimes people know when they are going to pass away im sure mum did