Seems easier to ask for it.
"I feel aching right now. I think I could feel better hearing loving words from you at this time. Even though you seem like you don't enjoy those words, could you be willing / able to say "I love you, I care about you" to me one time right now so I can feel better?"
Everyone needs to feel loved. Saying words of affection is a behavior he can do toward you. He's not doing it at this time.
You could ask for what you need at this time. That you want him to use words of affections toward you once right now.
He either is willing to deliver or not. Then you can decide if you can be ok relating under these conditions or not. You are not asking for too much. You aren't asking at all.
My spouse doesn't say my name. He can call me all sorts of things (Hon, babe, sweetie) but he rarely uses my first name. That's just how he is. I'm ok with that. If your partner demonstrates he loves you in all sorts of ways but doesn't usually demonstrate it with words of affection... well, maybe that's how he is. He's not gonna be (Mr Spontaneous "I love you!" Sayer.) Maybe most of the time you are ok with that -- during normal times.
But in a time of pain and suffering? It is
not going to kill you to ASK for what you need from him so that your suffering can be alleviated somewhat. It might not feel fun to do, and you do seem a bit anxious to do it.
I guess that you would like to KNOW that if you are hurting he will do what he can to help you feel better. So just ASK him. Ask for what you need so you can feel better. Give him a chance.
He's not a mind reader.
Galagirl