Our friend has been told he has terminal cancer. what can we expect?

Sorry 2 hear: If he/she is truly terminal, your friend will die. I'm not trying to be funny as this is a very sad situation, but the process of dying varies a lot depending on the cancer, the organs involved, and the patient's general health. Your friend needs companionship without smothering and needs someone who will stand by him/her even if they take a treatment course you disagree with. God bless.