Later, he learned his cancer was treatable. Today, Timmons is alive and cancer-free. He is also a volunteer at Ohio State University's Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Research Institute. There, he talks with patients about what lies ahead and how important it is to come to grips with fear. You can't let it get out of hand.
Many cancer patients fear the possibility of death.
They also fear cancer pain, the effect their disease might have on their family, and whether they will end up alone or totally dependent on others. Cancer patients can overcome these fears with help from family and friends as well as from doctors, nurses, social workers, and cancer survivors. Religous conviction can also help, said Larry Vandecreek, assistant director of pastoral care at University Hospitals. But I don't think having religious beliefs is an automatic treatment for being scared. Religious people become fearful, too.