How do I tell my family bad news? - British Liver Trust

British Liver Trust

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How do I tell my family bad news?

Christinarose profile image
15 Replies

On December 23rd I was told I have pancreatic cancer.

I do not know how bad or what treatment I will get until I see the pancreatic surgeons in the next week or so.

Only my husband knows, I do not know how to tell my children ( both in their 20's) my sister who I'm extremely close to and my brother.

Think I have needed a couple of days to get my head round it myself before I tell my family and friends.

I know I will have to be positive for them, even if I'm not feeling it.

My husband has been amazing.

Any advice very welcome. Thanks xx

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Christinarose profile image
Christinarose
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15 Replies
Positive001 profile image
Positive001

Hi Christinarose. So sorry to hear about your diagnosis.

I think if it were me, l would wait until the festivities are over before you tell your family. Go to see your surgeon and get all the information from him regarding the treatment/ surgery you may be receiving then get your loved ones around you at home, your amazing husband beside you holding your hand while you tell them you have been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer but the good news is they can do a, b& c .

Tell them it will take a while and will need lots of love, support and positivity to help you through the times when you may feel rubbish ..... but you ARE going to beat it !

All the very best to you and your family.

Laura x

Christinarose profile image
Christinarose in reply to Positive001

Thank you for your lovely message. Your kindness brought tears to my eyesThat's a good idea, to wait until I have all the info and treatment plans.

Bless you

Xx

Positive001 profile image
Positive001 in reply to Christinarose

Bless you ❤🌷xxx

Sweetpeesue profile image
Sweetpeesue

So sorry to hear your news, take each day as it comes. Gather all the information from your consultant, write notes/questions down that you want to ask. The macmillian nurse, specialist nurse will help/ guide you through things and they will help you to tell your family by what to say. And you don't have to be positive all the time it's ok to cry after the news you have had.I wish you well. Keep us informed you are in my thoughts x

Christinarose profile image
Christinarose in reply to Sweetpeesue

Thank you so much for your lovely reply. You are so right. Bless you xx

I agree with the others, wait till you've seen your consultant, otherwise you will be bombarded with a load of questions you won't be able to answer.

Good luck xx

Christinarose profile image
Christinarose in reply to

Thank you for your lovely reply. You are so right. Bless you xx

Ikarix profile image
Ikarix

Dear Christinarose, I’m so truly sorry to hear your diagnosis . My heart goes out to you . I’m sure everyone has you in their thoughts & will be willing you on to be strong & positive . Sending love & best wishes , you sound like the most loveliest , caring & thoughtful person , probably still in shock, you can do this .

Christinarose profile image
Christinarose in reply to Ikarix

Thanks for the beautiful reply and your lovely, kind words. Bless you xx

Violet74 profile image
Violet74

❤️ Be strong. This too will pass. Thinking of you sweetheart x

Christinarose profile image
Christinarose in reply to Violet74

Thank you, that's so kind. Bless you xx

Leadbeater profile image
Leadbeater

Wait until you've got all the facts hun then when you do tell them, you will be better informed when they have questions. Good luck hun x

Christinarose profile image
Christinarose

Thank you for your kind reply. Bless you xx

Hello.

I am very sorry to read of your diagnosis. The following links are to the Pacreatic cancer support organisation and Macmillan. I hope that both will be useful:

pancreaticcancer.org.uk/

macmillan.org.uk/

When you do get to see your consultant try and have all your questions written down eg re treatment options, followup etc. And definitely take someone with you to the appointment.

Best wishes

Sweetpeesue profile image
Sweetpeesue

How are you getting on? X

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