nursecedes I watched this a very long time ago; I've been a pediatric oncologist RN- I've been dealing with cancer but not like the "normal". Watching this show is exactly how I am and I don't feel the additional "a#@H#@$e" Thank you so much. The emotion and humor is such a blessing for me right now. Thank you.Mercedes

SnoopyStyle Cathy Jamison (Laura Linney) has cancer and she wants to change her life. She's not sure how. She and childish Paul (Oliver Platt) have a problem marriage. Her brother Sean Tolkey (John Benjamin Hickey) is deliberately poor. Her son Adam (Gabriel Basso) is a bratty teenager. She has a tough time telling everybody. She's not a particularly good teacher and Andrea Jackson (Gabourey Sidibe) is her smart-mouthed student. Marlene (Phyllis Somerville) is her pain in the ass neighbor until she becomes her most profound friend.This show tries very hard to be quirky but it never really achieves full comedy. I like Laura Linney and Oliver Platt. I also love the storage locker with all the birthday presents. The show fades a bit after the end of season two. It seems to take the show one way but season 3 took it all back when it opened. The show deals with death all the time but it seems it lost its nerve. I do like the final 4 episode wrap up.

daveash092 Contrary to what others think on this board, the feelings that Cathy goes through and what she sees are too real for me. I am diagnosed with a brain tumour and I see things, hear things and stick my fingers up to the world.... Cancer makes you see all too clearly all that life's about and what its worth living for. This prog has kept me going through my my darker days. This is a series not to be missed and I'd recommend this to anyone who wants a good laugh and a cry at the same time... Ally McBeal with cancer thrown in (Even though Billy did die of a tumour in that series too).. I would also recommend this to carers of people with cancer, cos to me its how I feel all of the time.

sagei If you are looking for a realistic depiction of a terminal disease and its devastating consequences keep moving, nothing to see here.If you want to see a wacky take on the subject then go for it.The lead is no Randy Pausch(of last lecture fame). She isn't always likable but does just enough when it counts. Those around her are equally unorthodox especially her brother.God forbid, if you were actually afflicted by disease then doubt you would find any levity in their oddball antics but if not then you might be amused.The fun is broken up by poignant moments that serve as grim reminder of impending death. Some of these reek of artifice but some will sneak up and surprise you.Unrealistic ? yes and yet it still shows real heart sometimes.Platt and co are solid.Laura Linney is luminous. She shines so bright that it lets you gloss over the dark spots.Wish them well. Still watching.Thank you.Disappointing second season.Couldn't help but cry as Sia sang season 1 to an end and couldn't help but look forward to more.But the heartfelt moments that made up for the flaws are conspicuous by their absence. Equally missed is the young doctor. Apparently replaced by a young gay patient who barely registers.Her struggle with life is simply not as interesting as her battle with death.Terrible but true. At least as far as this show goes.Show changed it's focus but lost it's heart instead.Now watch solely for Oliver Platt. ----- Keeps plumbing new depths. Hooker with crabs, criminal ukrainian and doubt even Parker Posey knows what she was doing in this. Neighbour dies. Back as ghost.Dog dies. Resurrected.Fellow patient dies. Ghost.Husband dies in season finale. Guest appearance as ghost. Resurrected in season opener.Order of the day is pull things out of your rear to fill episodes and seasons. Story had lost its heart and now has lost it's honesty as well.Looking distinctly terminal now.