Emotional healing

I have a sibling who just underwent the whipple. He was diagnosed with advanced pancreatic cancer. We, as a familiy, are just starting to understand all the waves of ups and downs involved with his cancer. He has good news and bad news continually. My biggest concern is what I can do to help him through this emotionally. He is a very outdoor and active person, so with this disease he has had to make major lifestyle changes. He seems to be doing better when he can get back to being active. Unfortunatly, with surgery complications and upcoming chemo and radiation, he needs to settle down. I would like to know if any of you have any suggestions of what I can do for him to cheer him up. I've read so much on how the heart and attitude contributes to healing. What can I offer him to pull him back up? We have little in common for discussions and it always ends up with the big "C" as the topic. I feel calling him just sets him back. I live several hundred miles from him, so visits are quite difficult.

I would like to know from some of you going through this journey, what you would like to see someone do for you, and what has helped you stay positive.

Thanks for any responses.