CRESTVIEW — Receiving a cancer diagnosis can be difficult, said Dr. Rasha Beg, a specialist with 21st Century Oncology. “So to help them get through it, social support and their own outlet is important.”
Patients at the Redstone Avenue facility have painted 75 ceiling tiles that feature inspirational messages, Bible verses, paintings of cartoon characters, animals, colorful objects and support for a favorite college football team.
That, and staying optimistic help, Baker resident and cancer survivor James Johnson said.
“Keep a positive frame of mind and rely on God to help, cause it worked for me,” he said.
“Try to keep a smile on your face,” his wife, Donna, said. “Don’t treat (a spouse with cancer) any different than you normally do … don’t change your routine.”
After receiving radiation treatments, Johnson, diagnosed in 2012, said he has been cancer-free for about a year.
“I never had any doubt that I would beat it,” he said. “I was told to not worry about things and everything would taken care of … and it was.”
There’s a reason for that, Beg said.
“We don’t have a cure for (cancer) yet,” she said. "The treatments for many cancers have really improved, so we will see more and more survivors.”
Email News Bulletin Staff Writer Matthew Brown, follow him on Twitter or call 850-682-6524.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Crestview doctor: Social support crucial following cancer diagnosis