I know the feeling. I had two similar situations Friday at work. One patient called to cancel her appointment: she had to check on her mother who is recovering from a heart attack and undergoing chemo. I felt so horrible for the both of them.
Then, before I left work Friday, a patient called in to schedule an appointment for Monday. She had just been released from the hospital and was having neck pain. I asked how she was doing, and she said she was undergoing chemo as well. Someone left a message canceling her appointment Monday morning because her oncologist didn't want her to be adjusted as her platelet count was so low. I felt horrible for her, too.
I hate having to hear these things, especially about those who I have come to know, in many cases, really well. I know it is an unfortunate part of life, but that doesn't help when you see the people affected and those closest to them. And I know as much as I hate hearing it, it is nothing compared to those going through it.