Yeah, that sucks when people say that. I think people say it because they are at a loss for words and don't know what to say and want to say something. Once I read an article that had things to say to people in difficult situations that would be welcomed by the person instead of the type of thing that was said to you. It was really useful. Wish I still had that. I admit I am not good either at knowing the right thing to say. Sometimes the best I can muster is, "I'm sorry to hear that." Not great either, I know.