There's a new post at the NPR Cancer blog (link on this page). It's about timetables and when the end is supposed to occur. I posted a comment to it. Here's an excerpt:

I mean, really, I wouldn't let an oncologist pick my lotto numbers.

Somewhere in school these docs are trained to tell the patient about viable outcomes and realistic expectations. They should just stop it. They should teach these people how to read a watch instead. My oncologists, and there have been many, are perpetually late to my appointments. If I'm as late to my final date as they are to my appointments I may be around to vote for the next few presidents.

Somehow I think those short timetables oncologists predict are done on purpose. They know you will make it past that date, and maybe that will give you more hope and strength to fight. I would prefer honesty. And that is something this profession sorely lacks.

Ok good luck to all in your fight. I'm heading to chemo. Posting this comment makes me about 10 minutes late. I doubt it will be noticed!