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How to tell your children and family

Sandradee
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Diagnosed today with stage III invasive breast cancer. Need chemotherapy first. Last week was told stage II with radiation but biopsy said different.

How does one tell your children and family. Two daughters of 30 and 25 and a son at university aged 22. None of my children are married or have children of their own. My mother is 81 and I am scared my diagnosis will destroy her.

At the moment I am relaxed about it all, but it is everyone else. If I did not have family I would accept my outcome. 

Any advice would be gratefully received.

Thank you

  • I'm so sorry to hear you were diagnosed with invasive breast cancer Sandradee and now have the difficult task of telling your family. 

    Macmillan have some really useful tips and advice on how to tell people you have cancer, but you're very welcome to have a chat about this with one of our cancer nurses on 0808 800 4040. Their phone lines are open Monday - Friday between 9a.m - 5p.m and they'll do all they can to help and answer any other questions you may have at this time. 

    I'm sure some of our members will be along soon to share their experiences and advice but in the meantime, we're thinking of you Sandradee and sending all our support your way.  

    Kind regards,

    Steph, Cancer Chat Moderator

  • Offline

    Hi Sandra Dee,

    My mum got a diagnosis of a brain tumor on Tuesday, we have an appointment to find out next steps tomorrow.

    We found out the same day mum did, we went into hospital to see her and her and a nurse told us. It absolutely broke my heart, and I am struggling, but I'm glad I know and have been kept in the loop from the start. My brother was told over the phone at the same time, tougher for him, but he headed up the next day and has been with us since. 

    Could you arrange for your children to come to you to share the news all together? Could you ring a helpline to ask for guidance?

    Sending love x

  • Offline in reply to nikkiw91

    Thank you. I am so sorry to hear about your mum. I will give thought to your suggestion.

    Best wishes 

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