How does the patient with cancer, in desperate need of understanding his illness, go about finding out what is wrong with him? Unfortunately, he often doesn't. Once he is on the chemotherapy unit, the cancer patient usually loses contact with his family physician. He is often constrained in his discussions with his newfound specialist because of the doctor's limited time. He may not ask many questions because he fears the answers. He may be in awe of his cancer specialist and may not want to appear stupid by asking naive questions of such an important man. The patient with cancer, therefore, simply withdraws. His family, of course, notice his depression and begin to do the only thing that can be done in such a situation-they make believe. "Don't worry, everything will be all right" is their most common approach. And, actually, what else can be expected? What else can they say? The stage is then set for the patient's entry into a long period of isolation, depression, and fear. The patient is scared. He can't talk to