Fighting insurance companies for reimbursement is very stressful, too, says Thompson, who counsels patients. He had to sue to get covered for his treatment of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Fear of death probably is the most profound concern. As such, patients don't have the vocabulary to talk about it. But, amazingly, people adjust to their diagnosis and become people they never believed they could be.
People use the threat of mortality to reorganize their life and become a different person.
For those people who might have had trouble changing, the cancer can give them a reason to, he says. Both Thompson and Shapiro felt a need to give something back, having survived the pain of their cancer treatment. Shapiro's choice of career as a psychologist was motivated by his experience, he says. He also has written a book called Mom's Marijuana, coming out in October. Thompson says he helps people because it gives his life meaning.