Yes, it's very frustrating. I forgot to reinstall the cable on my tranny before I put it back in, and I fought it awhile, but managed to get it back in place.
It took about 3 beers' time to do it, however.
The one trick I used was to pull the cable all the way out of the sheath, then tape it at the top (other end) to keep it from retracting. That gives you some wiggle room. If all else fails, I seem to remember you can remove the pan and reach up from there to work it.

DG