Weird Facebook Experience
I didn't sleep at all last night, so I logged on to Facebook. I haven't been on there since February. I think my mind was moving in a morbid direction as I looked up a high school friend who passed away from BC in 2009. That was my only reason for logging in. I don't think I'm ready to tell everyone yet. I logged back out quickly.
Just curious. How long did it take for you to tell people...not so close family and friends - and acquaintances?
Comments
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Hi global,
I hid it from almost everyone. You girls are my support group. I didnt need pity or anyone thinking we had a weakened leader on our team (competitive business- could lose grants and clients).
I still have not told my relatives who are in another city and would be very stressed, and could do nothing.
This is why I did the penguin caps to save hair- so no one would know. If you end up needing chemo and will lose hair, it will be hard to hide.
For now, I am a NED so I never did have to tell people.
The point is- do it on your own terms and your own time. I think it depends on how much support you need from family and friends, and understanding from coworkers.
It is not a death sentence so dont think like that okay!!! my onc said even if I relapse she will consider it a "chronic disease" to be managed for many years. There are so many meds for us and so many more coming in the pipeline.
I also get those midnight worries where everything crashes in- I think a lot of us do- but the world looks better by morning light.
Hang in there okay???
Hugs -
I agree with Sciencegal, you dont have to tell anyone, its all your choice, and dont torment yourself......cancer is individual for each of us
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I didn't tell many people -- told my husband & son & closest friends right away... also the librarian (but only because I was looking for cancer books for my son). Aside from that I didn't really tell anyone in the beginning. Then things came up... like less-close friends emailed me to catch up, and I had just gotten out of the hospital for my BMX, so I told them. My husband needed some more support before I started chemo so then I told my in-laws so they could support him (although they didn't turn out to be supportive). And I did post something on Facebook right before my last chemo, but I only have about 20 FB friends so it wasn't a huge announcement. I'm bald now & don't wear wigs so people who see me in person do tend to figure it out but not always (or they are just polite enough not to ask?) I have just finished active treatment and lots of people still don't know (my parents/siblings/family, husband's extended family, moms from my moms' group, friends & acquaintances I don't see often, etc.) and I don't really plan on telling anyone else. Hoping my hair will grow quickly & no one will be the wiser. I didn't have reconstruction but it doesn't seem like people notice the lack of breasts.
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I agree with the other posters. I only told two people. It has worked for me.
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