If you were told by doctors that you have 6 months, but that was 5 years ago, what would you be thinking now?

Question

I have had conversations with people who say things like this (sometimes the months/years vary), and they always smile afterwards. But what do you suppose they are THINKING?

Answer 1

1. Somebody messed up.

2. I'm very glad that somebody messed up.

Answer 2

I would feel extremely lucky and probably have live each day with much more appreciation. I would definately have no hard feelings towards the doctor ... he/she was not going to kill you in six months, rather just giving you a best estimate as to who long you could reasonably expect to live with the condition you are in. doctors simply do not give you this sort of prognosis as a joke or without serious consideration. I would bet the doctor would be genuinely happy that you have proved him wrong.

it is possible the doctor was wrong (hey, always get a second and even a third opinion in cases where the diagnosis or treatment is severe ...) but there is also a good case you beat the odds. you will often see in medical literature where they talk about the percentage of patients surviving after a given length of time ... good odds might be 85% alive after 5 years and bad odds might be 90% dead within 6 months. The key here is to realise that unless the condition is so clear cut ... that there is a lot of uncertainty in exactly how it will turn out and the best the doctor can do is give you an estimate based on how others in your situation have done.

Answer 3

I was told by a surgeon that I had 'three months or less' to live. That was in 1971. I laughed at him, and said 'I'm going to dance on your grave, and you are not going to die until you are an old, old man.' I had cancer that had gone into metastasis ... but I 'fought it' ... and I've had the same cancer AGAIN (a second 'primary') since. Why do I 'smile' when I tell people this story. Because I'm ALIVE to tell it. What am I 'thinking'? I thank God I'm alive ... and while that is 'appropriate' for me to think, I think that you can safely assume that these people are just GLAD to still be alive!

Answer 4

don`t trust me i`m a doctor! I don`t believe you said that are you a mind reader? we were told my mum only had about 4 months to live in1973 she lived until the year 2000. Everyday of the 7 years was a blessing for us but at the same time torture psychologically as each day we thought would be our last day with her. I don`t know if that makes sense.

Answer 5

I would think that I am very lucky and that God must have a reason for granting me a longer period on this earth than the doctors gave me. Doctors are not always correct with their diagnosis either, they are human and as such, they make mistakes too. We put them up on such a pedestal that we are angry when they do get something wrong. Even something as wonderful as not being able to predict how long you are going to live and you live past their prediction.

Answer 6

Having been through that, when I read your question my immediately thought of that time.

Now I take life one day at a time and enjoy life my way.

That happened when I was 48 and was told if I didn't mend my ways I wouldn't make 50. That was 7 years ago.

Answer 7

I would think that doctors are not gods like everyone thinks they are. They make mistakes all the time and most are too pompous to admit it.

Answer 8

i would thank the lord above i got to see 5 more years of my kids lives!!

Answer 9

Score!

Answer 10

they would probably be thinking yeah and stupid doctor making me and everyone else i know worried