My sympathies to your friend and you.
Sometimes, our loved ones linger for long periods of time. Pope JP 2, was one, and although I’m not a Catholic, I believe he was a good and Godly man.
On a personal note, my poor wife has been terminal since November of 2008. She is in misery...not pain...but the knowledge she is going to die, and the excruciating pain of waiting for the inevitable. For some reason, the Lord has not allowed that to happen, in spite of prayers that He take her home.
The experience has given me a completely different outlook on life and death, and God’s role in our lives.
Pope JP II was an incredible man and an amazing Christian. Mother Theresa was as well. I will pray for your wife and you too.