My Millie has pulmonary fibrosis too. I am so sorry - I know how distressing it can be. Our circumstances may be a little different in that Millie's may have been caused by the environment in which she was kept - she was a breeding bitch from a puppy farm. The vet suspects prolonged exposure either to asbestos or aspergillus (from mouldy hay). Nonetheless, she has survived for over three years after her diagnosis and, although she now can't really go beyond the garden, she has had a good quality of life. We have been able to manage her condition and have only recently begun to think we are running out of time. The only difference I can see between our vets' treatments is that Millie has been on a hefty, twice-daily dose of Frusemide (diuretic) ever since we found out what was wrong. It drains her lungs of fluid and gives her literally more breathing space. She too has a bronchodilator (Corvental) but we have been able to cut down on the steroids, only using them when things get bad. I really think the diuretic has been the key to keeping her going without distress.
We too needed help from the Veterinary Colleges as this condition appears to be comparatively rare in cockers. It may help you to Google Westie Lung - the conditions are related and it is much more prevalent in this breed. If I can help any more, please feel free to PM me. But don't give up hope. We have had at least three extra, lovely years.
