There is always the hope for many , no matter what serious health issues they have, that one day, a cure, a new med, or miracle treatment will come along..

Sometimes learning about the stages of grief is helpful - not only about loss of loved one, but loss of health, or other major life changes.

stages of grief
http://psychcentral.com/lib/the-5-st...oss-and-grief/
http://www.recover-from-grief.com/7-...-of-grief.html