To tell work colleagues or not?

Hi

I told anyone who would listen - at the very least some might get tested.

Regards

Stuart 

This is what I was told to do to tell anyone and everyone in the hope that some would get tested so that any cancer could be caught early.  So many men never get tested ever and get to late 60's early 70's and then have a test as part of a full blood test and find  a very high PSA and that  they have a late stage cancer which if found earlier could have been "cured"  The way some people react to prostate cancer they probably will not give the sympathy vote but tell you it is an easy cancer to cure/treat and "the best cancer to get" though going through any of the treatments from Hormone therapy to radiotherapy and then later through chemo is poop!  Even some Docs have been heard to refer to it in this way.

Hi Sussex 20, You are right it is a personal thing and you have done right by telling your Manager as we are covered by the disability at work act your manager needed to know as far as your colleagues that's up to you, I told the ones I work close to Like you I work from Home and they often call on teams to ask how I am and also just have a chat, but I don't think I am being treated any differently my work load is still the same.

Its not a nice spot to be in but you don't know They may have similar thoughts they don't know how to talk to you in case they upset you but if you cross the bridge first you may be surprised at the reaction you will receive

Good luck 

Chris

Sussex20 I told my manager and close colleagues although further treatment surgery and chemotherapy meant I couldn’t hide it. I’ve struggled returning to work. My role had changed, someone got promoted above me (he’s useless). 

Be kind to yourself, think what do you want going forward. Fatigue has meant I’ve no longer been able to do the same but my head hasn’t caught up yet, I still have ambitions but learning to be satisfied with what I’ve got and not take on extra pressure, I know my wife won’t be impressed 

sadly it’s a journey we’re on and I hope your employer is supportive, as mentioned we’re covered by disability discrimination act, although that is the nuclear option. Ensure you spend time for yourself and when you’re ready ensure you get a return to work, I didn’t 

Thanks all. I have now decided to tell other managers not least to suggest that men over 50 get tested. I think it's important to share. I don't think I'll be pressurised to return to the office not least with Covid infections rising.   

Hi

Although retired, I don’t mind who knows, sometimes I’ll say a few words to a shop keeper, they see I’m a little distressed and so I tell them why, not to my wife’s liking sometimes, but putting it out there let’s people know, you can only do so much, so saying no if people ask for help there’s al away so a reply ready.

Stay safe

Joe

I tell everyone I meet when the  opportunity arises. It's a great way of not appearing unsociable when offered a drink. I always reply "Sorry I don't drink alcohol as I have prostate cancer and I never drink anything after 6pm.". Sometimes it's a real party pooper but mostly I get positive responses.

The cancer may be in remission but it may return so it's only a little white lie!

Anything that raises awareness of Prostate Cancer is good.

I work in a massive warehouse with loads of blokes and I told my friends and some of my other colleagues all of whom were supportive, maybe some of them will get tested too? Most people are supportive even the ones who say the wrong things when you explain to them what you're going through. 

All the best Dan

Sussex20

I was diagnosed with Prostate Cancer on the 27th May this year.  I honestly didn't know how or what I would tell people at work.

I told my supervisor first and it was like a valve had opened up on top of my head.  I could feel the pressure easing.  I found it so hard to open up as I have always kept everything bottled up inside me.

Now, over 5 months in, I tell anyone and everyone.  Finished my 20 VMAT Radiation sessions last week.

Hopefully on my way to recovery now.

I haven't been treated differently, but work have been good with all of the hospital appointments.  I still have a load more to come.

In the end, nobody can tell you what's best.  It's all down to yourself.

I found it helped me to cope.