Gook, you need to try to find out how they feel about it; sad obviously, but do they want to be open about it or keep it to themselves. I've known two people in the recent past who sufered from different types of cancer, one was totaly open and lighthearted about it right up to the day he died. The other told very few people until they she finished her treatment. What I'm trying to say is that everyone treats this kind of thing in their own way and as friends all we can do is be there for them if and when they need us. Just let them know that you care and you want to do whatever you can to help, just be more sensitive to their feelings than you would normally be.  Take care.

let them express themselves without getting upset yourself. Cancer patients say a lot of times they aren't honest with the people around them because they don't want to upset their nearest and dearest. If you can at all stay strong in front of them and allow them be as brutally frank and honest as possible. But also, and I know this might be extrememly difficult, but accept that they might find it easier being that honest with a stranger, they're not shutting you out. Celebrate every moment you can with them. I wish you well at what must be a very difficult time, my heart goes out to you.

s1dg5y is right - do not give yourself such a bad time. Someone you care about dying is not a normal situation - it is OK not to respond 'normally'. A good friend died earlier this year from stomach cancer - just want you to know that i understand some of the things you may be going through.

Thank you s1dg3y.  That is a very helpful link.