Both they and the nurses are kind enough and no doubt well meaning but they just never tell you the full truth. It's like some kind of Omerta, questions are evaded, queries unanswered and as a last resort downright lies are told .... all, of course, in the best interests of the patient.
Blame it on the compensation culture.
If you say "How long have I got Doc" and they say "About 3 months" then you sue them if you live for 6 months.
Scared of their own shadows.
Chin up old dog, no pain no gain and if the smoking makes it easier, carry on.
Perhaps BM could fix the leak in the smokers lean-to as a gesture of support.