Question: what to say to someone struggling with illness?
Answer: Chronic disease: It sounds dire, but it's actually quite common. ...  “How's your pain?” ...  “Wow, that sucks.” ...  “You're spending more time in bed, and I'm worried.” ...  “If my plans need to change, no problem. ...  “You need to tell me what's going on.” ...  “I'm getting coffee. ...  “I have gossip.