@merpreb -- Good morning Merry and thank you! Yes, when we are diagnosed with something like cancer, most of us feel we have lost control over our own lives. I know -- I have Melanoma. I remember that a day or so following the diagnosis (2000), my husband and I were in a small restaurant (his way to deal with it) and I had this overwhelming need to scream to my husband and the entire restaurant -- "Hey! Stop eating ... Look at ME ... I have CANCER!!!!" I wanted to be RECOGNIZED and ACCEPTED.
No, didn't scream, and what I realized, in time, is that "C A N C E R" is a diagnosis that leaves most everyone (including family members) with the awful feeling of having lost control over their own lives. As one is faced with his/her own mortality, he/she often finds the need to FIGHT "this thing" to regain a modicum of control. At least that's how it was for me.
Like you, Merry, I immediately began researching any and all information, background, types, cures, stats on survival ... and it all helped to keep "my sanity".
And here I am, nearly 20 years after the initial diagnosis ... and I am NOT part of the stats I had read ... BUT that has a lot to do with finding my Melanoma early. My Surgeon told me: "You saved your own life". Additionally, I don't take anything for granted. New Guidelines recommend getting a check up every 6 months; I do that. I have also found an excellent doctor; I selected her because of her specialization in Melanoma.
Going back to the Bronchiectasis -- I am finding that Spring is not being too kind to me. My allergies are becoming an issue and I have mucus in my lungs. I am starting Albuterol today.

Stay well!
-Dee