Am waiting for a diagnosis and have a few more tests to go before I will really know. Can I ask those who have gone through this process-do you think that is a good idea to inform family and friends from the get go or should I wait till diagnosis? I`m scared and on my own. I just spoke with the lovely people on chat and feel better now that I have told someone.
Hello Shrewton
Now that's a great question and we are all very different. Once I knew I had cancer, even before the formal diagnosis, as I had been in hospital for 10 days and I was aware it was cancer we told family and friends right away. (you can read my personal journey by clicking on my avatar).
We did say to everyone, it not an illness, it's a condition I am living with - let's carry on as normal (or as near normal as you can).
I know you are in a slightly different situation but if you are honest - tell them of your tests and what they are for. No one can fault you for that.
Below is a link to our information about talking about cancer with others.
I do hope this helps and i wish you all the best with your test results.
Best wishes - Brian.
Macmillan Support Line - 0808 808 00 00, 7 days a week between 8am-8pm
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Hi Shrewton and welcome to the community.
I’m glad you’ve been able to chat to others and found that helpful. I think it’s a very personal decision and there’s no right or wrong answer but I chose not to say anything until I had been given my diagnosis and had a treatment plan. My thinking was that I didn’t want to worry my family, and I also wanted to be in a position to answer any questions. But I did have a partner to support me, so my situation was different to yours.
Sarah xx
