Many people die un-necesisarily because they believe what their doctor tells them. Sometimes there is another answer or solution to be found in alternative therapies and nutrition etc. Usually though there has to be a total life changing from diet to exercise and herbal/nutrional therapies - and CONSISTANCY is the key.
Sometimes like you said though, it may be too late because the disease is to far advanced - even then though there should be hope.
Personally, I wouldn't give up hope. If a person is given no hope and a time limit left on their lives what have they got to lose in trying alternative therapies? Absolutely nothing! They do have something to gain, and that may be their lives or and extension to their life!