Telling people/family?

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I was just wondering if any of you kept a diagnoses to yourself or how you go about telling people.

I've attached the results letter from the dermatologist department below for context. A big part of me is thinking I don't have BCC because they haven't biopsied me and only did the dermatology wand picture thing so in my head I'm thinking until they cut it out and test it then they can't possibly know for sure. I realise I am probably burying my head in the sand .

My partner knows and one person from work but no one else. I've been put down for surgery to remove it and am waiting for a routine appointment.My question is do I actually tell people this , like family or others at work . I don't want to upset other people especially if (in my head) they removed it and say it's not cancer(again wishful thinking). I suppose if I say it out loud to others then it becomes real . I have two teenagers one of which is having a hard time with her mental health which she receives help for ,but the thought of having to tell them and cause them upset breaks my heart. Has anyone else kept it to themselves? Does it cause more harm then good?

Latestart 17 hours ago

I told people after I had been diagnosed but not before I was biopsied - mine was bladder cancer. I believe in openness especially with children (though mine was in her 40s so big enough to know beforehand, even though very worried). She has supported me and her father throughout and we could not have managed without her.

I think I would tell younger kids too, but maybe a bit at a time and after your appointment because then you can reassure them better. When my mother was diagnosed with terminal cancer 50 years ago she was adamant that she 'didn't want people looking sideways' at her - in those days they sometimes didn't even tell the patient!

Fortunately if you don't want to tell anyone it sounds as though the doctors are confident that yours is easily treatable. if you do decide to tell them at some stage, can you talk to the person your child is seeing in case they can help you frame it well?

All the best

Latestart

Littlemiss-ka 9 hours ago in reply to Latestart

Thanks for the reply. I think for now I'll keep it quiet until I've had it removed and the full results back then decide if I say anything. If I do I'll definitely speak to the lady my daughter sees so she can help me out.I just need to try and push it to the back of my mind until I get a date through which is easier said then done . I think my downfall was googling it which has got me dizzy with it all. I'm glad this forum is here because I don't even feel I can speak to the 2 people who know about it all.

Thanks again

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