I totally agree with you in that telling patient to "think positive" is not the answer for someone dealing with a terminal illness!! They DO need to talk and vent, and find a forum to deal with this "end of life" stuff that no class or family teaches you on how to deal with. This is HUGE STUFF HERE!! If the family and friends close to the patient can't handle it, then it's not the burden of the patient...it's their burden, and they need to find a healthy outlet to get help in expressing their pain and suffering too (there are wonderful support groups for this, and everyone should join). It's hard for EVERYONE...but please don't put the burden back on the one suffering the disease. They often try to "hide" most things from direct family because they know how painful it is, and that they are not prepared to deal with it. Take this time and deal with it for what it is...something unique and different, and not meant to be handled the way you always handle everyday crisis and things. Also prayer works miracles..pray with the family.