I am inclined to agree with you. I get the feeling he is kind of calling in the job right now, more out of a worry about his family obligations. If he steps off the stage, there is no guarantee he steps back on it.

As for the dooming, I get why he might be there psychologically as a result of the cancer treatment. My cat was diagnosed with cancer a couple of weeks ago and I noticed a shift in my mood and tendency to doom. I have had to fight to get back, and I am still not there. And this is my cat, whom I adore, but not my personal self.