On an individual basis this is true. But taking the patient population as a whole it is not an encouraging story.
This from NRO...
"Re: Edwards Staying in the Picture [Jonah Goldberg]
I think K-Lo has it right. I am no fan of John Edwards as a politician, but given the facts as we know them, I don't see anything wrong whatsoever with him staying in the race. The guy's been married for a long time. His wife shares his views and obviously wants him to be president. People react to illness differently. When my Dad was in the hospital for months he made it very clear that he didn't want me putting my life on hold. It would have driven him crazy if I hovered constantly and, it would have given him the sense that I'd lost hope in his recovery. He liked hearing the "news" about my life. So we talked often, I visited often. It wasn't an easy call, of course. But ultimately you do what you think helps most or hurts least. These are the sorts of complicated, emotional decisions families make. That's why they're called families. I think it would be in very poor taste to second guess the Edwardses on this. I also think it would be in very poor taste if Edwards exploits this in some overly political way. But he hasn't done that and may never do it. He had to give a press conference. And, from what I hear he did it with class and dignity. So, again, as long as the facts are what they are, leave them alone. They deserve that much."