Telling people ..

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One of the things I’ve found really hard is telling people about my diagnosis, it’s felt re-traumatising every time. So I decided that as soon as I knew whether it had spread or not, (it doesn’t appear to have), I’d just tell everyone and be done with it. I drafted a few paragraphs explaining where I was up to and sent it to all my friends, work, neighbours, all my what's app groups and Facebook. 
it might not be the right thing for everyone but it’s been a massive relief for me. I don’t have to go through it over and over again and don’t have to pretend I’m feeling ok. People have been so lovely and supportive. I’ve had flowers, cards, phone calls, loads of supportive messages and offers of help and it feels really good to have it all out there in one go. 

  • Hi  

    Many people find talking about cancer really difficult. When I talked in my workplace I found quite a few people who came to be afterwards as they also had their own cancer stories but never felt they could open up and welcomed the opportunity to speak with someone they felt understood. Often people say the same about our community.

    I know before cancer came knocking at our door I probably was not much help to people who were affected. Some of the social media sites can be really positive but sometimes too people will share horror stories as if it were some kind of competition.

    <<hugs>>

    Steve

    Community Champion Badge

  • I feel bad that I wasn’t sufficiently empathetic in the past with friends who were diagnosed. I had no idea what a terrible shock it could be. 
    Anyway, it’s been a load off to tell people all at once. 

  • I love this. I did the same after I knew my diagnosis and treatment plan. I firstly told my very close friends and then I set up a WhatsApp group a few days before my op of all my friends and a few work colleagues. It was easier for my husband to turn notify everyone when I was out of theatre. I then closed the group after a couple of days post op. 
    I too have received lots of messages, cards, chocolates and flowers which has meant so much knowing I was in people’s thoughts. 
    I’ve also had offers from friends who are taking me out for walks/coffees when I can travel a bit further/move more. I’m one week post op and feeling better everyday and feeling so grateful x 

  • So glad to hear you’re on the mend. Have you needed a lot of help that first week? I live alone normally although I’ll stay with my daughter at first. 

  • Yes good idea to stay with family. Maybe a good idea for 2 weeks minimum as I’m still just going for very short walks and can’t obviously lift anything heavy as in washing / pots & pans. 
    my family walk our dog and i just go for slow walks with them and building up each day. We ordered the Gousto meal prep boxes for last week and this week which takes the stress off cooking and shopping. I’m just resting lots. I’m off the painkillers now and making sure I drink at least 2 litres of water per day. 
    I ordered an embroidery kit as have never done before and have enjoyed working on that each day which relieves the boredom of being in the house. There’s only so much tv you can watch… 

  • Thanks, good advice. Can’t say I’m looking forward to it but I’ll be glad when it’s done. 
    hope you continue to go from strength to strength 

  • What date is your op again? 

  • I don’t have a date yet. Hoping for something definite this week. Fingers crossedFingers crossed

  • I hope it’s very soon. I felt ok knowing my op date as just wanted to get it over with x