Hi HLP, being a granddad with "treatable", metastatic cancer for 2.5 years now, I was just like your dad I didn't want the grandkids to know in the beginning, and to be honest, I'm still not sure if it was the right decision, I have lately thought It was the wrong decision, It was unfair on my kids to ask them not to be honest with theirs, my grandkids at the time were 13, 3 at 11, and 8, and 3 under 5. and kids even very young ones know when something is not right, they probably already have some understanding of what it may be already, and as we all know waiting for results/answers is difficult. I'm not saying you shouldn't do as your dad asks but you could say to your dad, I won't tell the kids, but if they ask, I'm not going to lie to them, I've talked to many grandparents about when to tell the grandkids and most have said If they are old enough to understand sooner is best, but you know your family better than anyone, It's your decision, best wishes with the results, PS my cancer is in 14 places and still have a few years yet and modern treatments are amazing. take care.

Eddie xx

Hi Eddie, thank you for sharing and being open. This has really helped to hear from someone who’s been there. I’ve read all the booklets etc, but as you say, knowing my kids, I feel it’s right to say something. I wish you well in your journey and thank you for the kind words. Take care, Helen xxx

Thank you Helen, glad I could help, best wishes to you and all your family 

Eddie xx 

This is a hard one. When I was a kid my grandad had cancer and eventually passed from it, we were told he was poorly but not the ins and outs, I remember feeling shocked and angry when he passed that we hadn't been told how ill he was. I've no idea if it was his decision or my parents as in not to tell us the truth. Having said that I kind of feel it's down to the person who's cancer it is as to who knows. Not very helpful. X