How Bad Is It, Doc?

After several months of ill-health, an old man finally musters up the courage to see his doctor for a complete check-up.

He gets to the doctor’s office, after which, the doctor runs a number of standard tests.

After a couple of hours, the doctor comes back, and just barely able to look the old man in the eye, he says:

“I’m afraid I have some very bad news…you’re dying, and you don’t have much time left.”

“That’s terrible!” says the man. “‘How bad is it, Doc? How long have I got?”

“Ten,” the doctor replies, shaking his head.

“Ten?” the man asks. “Ten what? Months? Weeks? What do you mean?”

The doctor looks at him sadly. Then he looks at his watch.

“Nine.”