I've written and deleted this comment several times, I'm just not sure how to say all i want to say and I don't want to come across as arrogant or melodramatic

I've written and deleted this comment several times, I'm just not sure how to say all i want to say and I don't want to come across as arrogant or melodramatic but I disagree and I think that you underestimate your own capacity to adapt. Let's see if I can explain myself: I was diagnosed with leukaemia three years ago and now I'm on the last weeks of the treatment, for the moment (and waiting for the last bone marrow tests), it looks like the treatment has worked (although there's a decent chance of cancer coming back in the next few years). Speaking for myself, one of the things that frustrates me is the reluctance from doctors to give a straight answer. I had to ask several times to get a decent idea of the worst case scenario[0]. For me, having a clear vision helped me frame all the other possible scenarios, from the best possible "cancer is gone forever" to the more probable "treatment will work but in 10-15 years I'll develop another cancer" as well as lining up the available treatments[1]. I don't consider myself specially brave, but I prefer to know the truth, no matter how painful it is. Most of the cancer patients I know think along the same lines (some really brave people there). I accept that some people might not handle the situation well[2], but based on my limited observations, there may be less than you seem to think. To finish this, I don't know about your father's situation (I'm sorry for your loss, btw) and I might be completely wrong on this (and I apologize if this offends you, it's definitely not my intention), but I'd consider the idea that your father knew and that at least part of his talk about going fishing was his way of trying to cheer you up and protecting you. I know I've done that with my own family. --- [0] The question was "Assuming the treatment doesn't work, what can I expect?". The most direct answer I got (after all the evasives) was "It will be painless", which is code for "We will pump you full of morphine". [1] If the leukaemia is not completely gone or it returns I still have the option of a bone marrow transplant (although it will probably destroy my liver and will need a liver transplant too), I could also go for immunotherapy, which has shown very good results with my type of leukaemia but, as far as I know, only one hospital in Europe has the equipment necessary to do it. Worst case... well, we'll see, but even then I have 2-3 options that don't involve being a husk full of morphine until the lack of oxygen in blood kills me. [2] And that's why there's a team of psychologists with specific oncology training in my hospital, as well as religious support for the people that want it.