Hey Mr DC-9, glad things are progressing well.
Communication in cancer care can be a minefield, and it's always useful to have such a vivid account of how things feel for patient and family.
For us, as health care professionals, it's a constantly changing area of study. We may have the technical abilities, but sometimes we forget one of the most important areas in this field- communication.
"Bad news" is just that-Bad news. There is, unfortunately, no way of dressing things up- it'd be an easy cop out for us, but unfair on both patient and family.
I guess, the trick for us, is balancing this with the positives, and without wishing to delving too much into your case, it does feel that there was some lack of "aftercare" in your initial situation.
Best wishes.