Hi I’m new here, I was diagnosed just short of a year ago and 2 weeks ago I found out it’s terminal.
I’m really struggling how to tell my family, I am incredibly close to my sisters and we are currently dealing with my dads cancer, I know I need to tell them but I am finding it really hard to find the words or even how to do it.
I didn’t take anyone to my appointment and I know they will be hurt but I only did it to try protect them and now I need to tell them the worst news and I’m lost.
Hi Ahey93 and welcome to the community but I am ever so sorry to hear about your circumstances.
This is such a challenging time for you…. it’s important you get as much support as you can get, but at the same time your family do need to know this sooner rather than later.
As Dear_Mouse has suggested talking with the person you can open up to is the way forward. You say you are close to your sister, she may well be the best route…… or a close friend.
Ahey93 can I ask, what exact type of Non Hodgkin’s Lymphoma do you have?……. It is highly unusual to be classed as terminal after such a short time following a Lymphoma diagnosis.
I assume that you have been told that all treatment options have been exhausted?
Have you asked for a second opinion?….. I say this as there are many trial drugs being developed around various Lymphoma Specialist Hospitals and it may take a second opinion to help access these trials.
There is another group in this Community where people from different cancer types can share and support each other while they navigate an incurable/terminal diagnosis - follow the link below
Living with incurable cancer - incurable patients only
The Macmillan Support Line is open between 8am-8pm (timings may differ across services) 7 days a week on 0808 808 00 00…… this service provides cancer information, practical information, emotional support or just a listening ear.
Talking to people ‘face to face’ can be very helpful so do check to see if you have any Local Support in your area, do also check for a local Maggie's Centre as these folks are amazing and can be a great support at this time.
The group is here to chat at any time…
