When is 'no big deal' a big deal?

      Weeks later over dinner Smith said "Sounds like you're softening on Boats.  You're really enjoying his company now." "Yes, I am.  He's so kind and dear.  He's really a dear man.  Our conversations are so open and honest and from the heart.  No holds barred.  I call him Admiral because he's all about boats. And we agree politically." I said. "But I'm still not sure."
      During another boat outing Admiral said “There’s something I have to tell you. It’s no big deal but you need to know.”  My stomach clinched and my mind raced with all kinds of ideas about what dreaded thing he’d say.  Finally I said to my gremlin Bitch, “Silly girl, be quiet and listen.” 
      Admiral continued “Some time ago I had a cancer diagnosis. I went to the best surgeon and he told me they got it all. Seems it’s back now and I’m looking at radiation. It’s no big deal.”
      “Oh my! I’m so sorry to hear that. What can I do for you? How can I help you?” I asked. Selfishly I was relieved to know my mental gymnastics were just that.
      “I have a doctor’s appointment next week.  I’ll probably have treatments. I hate that it means I may have to be here in cold weather.  I really don’t like cold weather.” Admiral said matter of factly.
      “No one’s going to the doctor with him and that’s not right. This is big and I can’t let him go alone.  I’ll ask him if he wants me to go.  I don’t want to push in where I’m not wanted, tho” I told Kathleen, my mentor in all things single.
      Several days later I was sitting across the desk from Dr. Roundface with Admiral with a list of questions to ask in my Mother mode.  Dr. Roundface covered all points and Admiral said “When do I start? I want to leave for warm weather soon and treatments are keeping me here too long.”
      When I and friends need reinforcement, I email a prayer request to girlfriends to pray for the person and the situation.  Such a note promptly went out requesting prayers for my precious Admiral.  Kathleen’s email came back  “Precious.  Hmm.  Sounds serious.”