would you ask?

[honestfriend]

Just a quick query...

an old boyfriend of mine and I keep in touch - very occasionally- Xmas and Birthdays- absolutely nothing in it, honestly-haven't seen him for 30 years! but last time he contacted me he said he had been off work for some time, in hospital, and is retiring early. He didn't elaborate, and although we were close when we knew each other, it was an awfully long time ago and we haven't really kept in touch that much since.
I suspect he may have had cancer- and I suppose I want to know, but depending on the "site" of it, he may feel it's personal. Is there anyway of asking- tactfully- in an email, or at least letting him know that I suspect and wish him well?

i would ask i would just send and email and say from last converstaion i hope all is well and you are feeling much better now he may e mail back and elaborate what was wrong if not say i dont mean to be rude but was wandering what was up as have been worried friends should never be afraid to ask as it shows you care

Thanks- he did say things like "there is light at the end of the tunnel" and he IS back at work, but it is a demanding job- which makes me think it must be serious, otherwise he wouldn't retire early.

I suppose I was feeling that if he WANTED to say what had been wrong he would have- and that by asking outright it would be prying.