If your father is deemed by his doctor to be terminal, narcotics or tranquilizers could be given to ease his shortness of breath. The results of his breathing test alone cannot tell how much longer your father may have to live. It is helpful to also look at his general strength, alertness, appetite, energy level, weight loss, responsiveness to you and others, etc.
Ask to talk to your father
I am 82 and probably in the last stages of something.
Have had emphyzema for 36 years and COPD for two years.
Gave up smoking a year ago.It was too embarrasing to lie on the floor of an emergency room trying to breathe.
An important thing for you father is to see you and to know that you are in good shape to handle your own future.
Sig