telling the family

It’s very difficult.It was hard telling my late mother as she was already showing signs of dementia and I had discussed my diagnosis with the care home staff beforehand and whether I should tell mum at all.I had been my mothers sole carer and had to put her into respite care when I became ill.One of the staff stayed with her and I gently told mum and said she would be able to come home once I had recovered from the surgery.With my partner and sister I was more matter of fact.On diagnosis day when we got back from the hospital we sat around the kitchen table and got into practical mode.They worked together to arrange the driving to hospital appointments and visits to mum.This helped to make them feel less helpless about the situation which was looking quite dire at that time.I hope it all goes well for you,my best wishes for the next steps.Jane 

Hi Normal4Norfolk 

I'm sorry to read that you've been diagnosed with cancer and it's natural to worry about to tell family and friends.

I've been diagnosed with cancer twice and my husband has had a recent cancer diagnosis also. Our son is in his mid 40s and my sister are in their early 60s with most of our close friends in their 60s/70s. Each time we have have just got "straight to the point" as you put it but that's probably because that is the type of people we are. You will know best how those you want to know are likely to react to your news and how best to broach it with them.

You might find this information from Macmillan on talking about your cancer diagnosis helpful to look through.

Wishing you all the best