My friend is probably dying

[SamIam]

I got terrible news from a good friend today. He is suffering from hepatitis C, and, unfortunately chose to do a lot of Hemingway style drinking on top of that. He's off the booze now, but his doctor informed him that he has almost no liver function left. They're going to do a biopsy on his liver next week, but it already sounds very, very bad. His doctor is talking about how to handle pain management, and telling him not to worry about a shoulder replacement surgery he was scheduled for, because, frankly, he may not be around for it.

I don't know how to talk to him about this. I think he's still in shock about the news. One minute he's talking about writing up his will, and the next he's talking about moving to a new apartment, as if nothing is wrong. I've tried to be upbeat as possible, telling him if he just stays off the booze and follows his doctor's treatments, he'll beat it.

Does anyone know of what foods or herbs or other treatments might be helpful? I know nothing about end stage liver disease, but I understand that it can be a miserable way to go.

Any thoughts out there? I am just SO upset right now.