Stay positive madman and don't let a physical ailment turn into a mental disability. Many people get consumed and worry about things that will never happen when faced with a pending diagnosis. Life is meant to be lived, and generally speaking all disability is created from a mental composition which greatly affects physical well being.
You have been a good friend, and considered family. You have provided outstanding insight, and a great capper of sports. I certainly understand life changes and we must adjust; a growth spurt that most resist. As a man, I get the notion of being stoic and strong, but emotional support is usually well guided when careful attempt is made to secure the mental stability when one is faced with future uncertainity.
I wish you and your family well, and sincerely hope nothing but the best in outcome of this young venture. Love conquers all, but it's not generally disguised in a peck on the cheek, but an everlasting strong embraced hug that comes from deep within. Here is where the meaning of life exists that some never achieve; nary a sniff.
I hope this growing experience is fruitful for your family and brings the unit closer together. In that sense, you have gained much. Don't fight the anger and depression, turn all the emotion into love. Life is short brother, blink of an eye, and in the end we will all lay our burdens down. In the immortal words of pregame bantor, best of luck & keep cashin' !!
Take care & easy brother, don't let the turkey's get you down. Hopefully we will meet down in SA one day, and have a good time then.
-Curtis