This sounds exactly like the beginning of the last-stage of alcoholism that I personally witnessed my grandfather go through. There are striking similarities, and it was gut-wrenching to witness.
He was drunk 24/7. Drank almost a gallon of vodka a day just to survive the day. Could hardly walk, and was yellow from his cirrhosis at the very end.
I remember on his last day before being institutionalized for the remainder of his life, we found him in his bedroom just walking in circles, mumbling to himself, and extremely confused. We knew that was it and had to institutionalize him.
Here is what his doctor told us (which may help you with your timing question). His doc said that once the liver is over 50% scarred (cirrhosis) the patient has a maximum of 5 years to live unless there is a transplant. My grandfather's liver was 70% scarred and we did not find out early enough for him to get a transplant. He died at 62, shortly after learning of the late-stage of his alcoholic liver disease.
Now, there is some positive news I can share with you that came from my personal doctor who knows of my alcoholism. (And I have alcoholic heptatitis, which is the stage before cirrhosis, but in which the liver can still heal itself)....
There are 3 stages of alcoholic liver disease, cirrhosis being the latest and deadliest. Statistically, only 15% of alcoholics ever reach the cirrhosis stage, meaning his liver could still heal if be abstains 100%. He definitely should get a liver biopsy if he wants to live.
I've been to plenty of AA speaker meetings where people at the stage where your husband is speak of their long-term sobriety and happiness. All is not lost yet. But he must want to get better for himself.
Your story is heartbreaking. I will pray for you and your husband. Best of luck.