Anyone follow the later episodes of Little House on the Prarie?!

Anyone follow the later episodes of Little House on the Prarie?

hi
I was wondering if anyone knows the show really well,I had missed a few episodes last week (I watch it on tv land,they show the episodes in order),and I'm confused about where Albert,Cassandra and James went. They're my three fave characters later in the show,and all of the sudden they're not there. Can anyone fill me in on what happened to them and if they'll be back before the season ends? thanks!! <3

I follow the reruns also, not really sure what happens to Cassandra and James, however in a special 2 hr program Albert, who wins a fellowship to a University to become a Doctor is diagnosed with Cancer. And the plot is about his and his family`s struggle to come to terms with his impending death and how he chooses to live his remaining days. It was a very moving, tearjerking special.