Hi Amy,

Speaking as someone who has has prostate cancer, I found it better to be open and honest with my family. But at the time I was diagnosed, I had three young grandchildrenso we couldnt tell them the full story. They were just told granddad was ill and had to go to hospital for treatment.

Your granddad is probably downplaying things as he doesnt want to cause you worry but as you say when you dont know the full story, your mind works overtime and always assumes the worst scenario.

It is always difficult to know how to support you younger siblings, but often just talking to them helps. I find a lot of families try to hide the facts from younger people but they know when things arnt right and this causes them to worry more. So talking and being honest are things I have found to be the best way.

Take care and I wish you, your granddad and your family all the best. Please let us know how you are coping for it is a worrying time as cancer doesnt just effect the patient, it affect the whols family, Brian.