I am sorry to hear about your mother-in-law! This is scary and upsetting, I know. If she hasn't already been referred for palliative care and Hospice, please get that in the works as soon as possible. Learn everything you can about what the hospice and Medicare will provide; you may find family members will wind up doing a lot of the patient care yourself. Also, in recent years, many hospices have been purchased by for-profit companies, some of which have been limiting care and services, so check your hospice choice(s) carefully so you understand completely. You will need help on nutrition, hydration and pain control; needs and wants are likely to change at a moment's notice as things progress.

I would get some psychological/spiritual assistance in the works as well, such as visits from a favorite pastor or lay minister, music therapy, etc. Years ago, when my brother had a very short prognosis (he died 3 1/2 months after diagnosis), his friends and co-workers set up a big board in his hospital room and, later, his room at home. Everyone wrote notes, jokes, prayers and encouragement on sticky notes and displayed them on the board, which became fuller and fuller with notes. My brother was a scientist and was well known for his love of sticky notes, so the format fit him perfectly. While he was still feeling well enough to do so, he and his wife went out for short dinners with friends so they could visit as well.