It's saying those words no parent ever wants to have to say to their children.......I have cancer.....

It's been a struggle to carry on as normal this week, when basically all I want to do is stay in bed and speak to no-one

Unfortunately I'm a single parent and I'm self-employed so if I don't work no money comes in.

So sorry to hear of your diagnosis, it is such a difficult thing to hear. It's always going to be hard to tell the people who are close to you. I was diagnosed in January with breast cancer, have three grown up children, one still living at home. They knew I'd been having tests, so when I got results told them straight away. I phoned at a time when I wasn't feeling so emotional. I tried to sound upbeat and positive about the treatment I would be having. They have been a great support and have helped me stay as positive as I can be. Hopefully once you have told them, you will also find their support helpful at this difficult time. Xx

That’s always difficult.

As soon as possible and, ideally, at the same time but be ready for lots of awkward questions such as;

are you sure
what stage
is it aggressive
what’s your treatment plan
is it curable
and how long do you have? 

Good luck with your treatment!
Dave

Thank you for taking  the time to reply, it means a lot.

My daughter is a very sensitive soul...... and this will devastate her, my son is a typical lad, he will be very quiet and hold in all his emotions.

I will do my best to sound positive and upbeat, for their sakes.....though I myself an struggling with it all   

I go around in a permanent haze, feel very shaky and tired aal the time.

There's not an hour goes by that I'm not thinking " what if".......

I'm sure they will be a great support to me.....but you kids are your kids forever..... just worry what this news will do to their lives........

They have no idea I've been for tests, as I felt sure everything would be OK, and I'd just have to tell them I was having a minor op, and there was nothing to worry about.....

Oh if only........

Thank you so much Derek for taking the time to reply, and for your good wishes, it means a lot.

I'm putting off telling them, as I want us to have one more nice happy weekend together, before I change their lives .....

I just have to hope and pray surgery will get rid of it all, without the need for radiotherapy.

Being self-employed in the beauty industry, I will have to get back to work as soon as possible.

I also have a seasonal job it hospitality, I do in the evenings, which I was about to start, that now won't be happening....

I have to make money through the busy summer months, to tide me over the winter when there's no work.

It will be difficult financially.....

So sorry for mixing up your name Dave, my mind is all over the place right now.....

Hi,

I am sorry you are going through this.  I can only imagine. 

I have post menopausal bleeding with cramps and hip pain. Saw consultant last night and have ultrasound on Monday then a hysteroscopy in a couple of weeks.

One of main concerns other than an obvious cancer diagnosis it how on earth would I tell my children? I have 2 boys, 21 & 23 both still at home. 

It is totally like you say, you are about to change their lives as well.

My mum got bowel cancer at age 46.  I was 22 at the time and it just was not talked about as a family. It was all hush hush.  I wish I had known more so I could have supported her better.

I guess you just have to be open and honest and be prepared for a range of emotions.  Hopefully it will bring you even closer as a family.

take care. 

It's still very early days for you, so of course it's to be expected that you're struggling. In the beginning I thought I was going to find it difficult to try and be happy and smiling. However, I had my first chemo treatment on 4th March and all went well. Tonight I went out for a meal with hubby and we had a lovely evening. The kids and grandkids are coming over tomorrow and I'm really looking forward to it. I actually said to my husband tonight, that I didn't think I would be out and actually happy so soon after a treatment. It may get more difficult as I have surgery and radiotherapy further down the line. But I will just focus on one step at a time. I wish you well on your journey moving forward. Xx

A lot of us do find chemo a bit of an anticlimax. 
In my case, I had few side effects until after the second round, it seems to effect everyone in their own way.

Best wishes
Dave