support for rare, advanced diagnosis

Hi there,

My usually healthy, active, Dad has been diagnosed with small-cell carcinoma but not in his lung, elsewhere, which I understand is rare. The prognosis is not good. The doctors seem excited by the rarity of the diagnosis which has been confusing for my parents, as they interpreted the jovial mood as something optimistic.

We are all devastated and I'm not sure how to support him. If anyone has similar experiences I would appreciate hearing them. I am struggling to cope and don't want him to have to worry about me, as well.