As long as a Republican is President, Ginsburg will not retire. The only way she goes out before Jan 2009 is death or physical incapacitation.
If she is that sick, maybe she will be incapacitated. 3 1/2 years until the next preisdent is sworn in. That can be a looong time for a sick person.
I feel you're right. But maybe she could retire before Stevens. I hate him more than Ginsburg, because he betrayed those who elected him many years ago.