Small minnow,
I agree with others that just being there is good for your friend. Many friends and relatives made that one call after they heard that I was sick, but did not call back after that. I completely understand. Before I had cancer I had no clue what to say to a person with cancer...all I could think was " dead man walking ". I lived alone during my treatments, although my sister, mom, and girlfriend lived nearby. I liked the privacy, but I did find that, especially in the rough time after treatment ended, that it was good for me if a friend or two came by to visit almost every day. So, stick with it, go see him.

Also, you don't have to walk on eggshells around a cancer patient. We know what we are facing, and hearing all that stuff like " be positive, keep a good attitude " goes in one ear and out the other. Many people with cancer like to talk about it, so ask questions if you are curious, and most importantly, be a good listener.

You are a great friend,
Danny G.