Dear Stephen, thank you for having the courage and trust in us to speak so openly.
I am very sorry to hear this. I know each of us deals with difficulty and tragedy in our own way, but I would like to share the following sentiment passed onto me by my late father who, like you, battled a difficult illness - don't grieve, Heaven is a place nearby.
Dad wasn't at all religious but after these many years, I really do think he meant 'I'm not going anywhere'.
As for the doctors, his internist told me he couldn't believe it when he, knowing the diagnosis, saw my dad shopping in a supermarket, pushing the cart. It was like this till the very last moment. So, if I may be equally open, never say this is the end and keep pushing that cart as hard as you can!
Take care and best of wishes,
Antun