[jrae]

if you had to share some 'medical-related news' with your family/ immediate relatives and close friends, when would you do it??? let's say it's something somewhat big, like cancer or Parkinson's or MS or seizure-disorders or ALS or heart/lung diseases or tumors.......

i know there is no 'perfect time' but there are times that would not be a good idea.
so would you do it before the holidays, even if 'things are chaotic' ; or would you do it between holidays, so as to not 'wreck' them ; or would you wait until after the holidays, and maybe then you'd have more info about the situation (but could be "hounded" for not saying something sooner) .....

or would you just wait until the 'end', when you have all the answers and it is definitely known what is happening/the situation (and possibly the future treatment) ?!

[TunedOut]

Originally Posted by jrae

if you had to share some 'medical-related news' with your family/ immediate relatives and close friends, when would you do it??? let's say it's something somewhat big, like cancer or Parkinson's or MS or seizure-disorders or ALS or heart/lung diseases or tumors.......

i know there is no 'perfect time' but there are times that would not be a good idea.
so would you do it before the holidays, even if 'things are chaotic' ; or would you do it between holidays, so as to not 'wreck' them ; or would you wait until after the holidays, and maybe then you'd have more info about the situation (but could be "hounded" for not saying something sooner) .....

or would you just wait until the 'end', when you have all the answers and it is definitely known what is happening/the situation (and possibly the future treatment) ?!

IMO, since this weighs so heavily on your mind, I hope there is at least one family member you can share this information with. IMO it is normal not to be close to everyone in our family at larger family gatherings so IMO, it is OK not to share with everyone though I do think that your parents would want to know.

[sarahsweets]

I say sooner rather than later.

[Aviza]

I can't keep secrets. I tell the minute i hear anything. That's what family is for, to be there when you down, scared, or otherwise.

[jrae]

i don't know how to do it or what to say. and man, i wish i had people like that! but my family is like a joke, especially when it comes to me. they are like the opposite of compassionate and understanding.
plus it's incredibly challenging having a 'medical person' in the family, especially when it comes to MIs! they try to interject and 'fix' what they can't, and don't respond kindly to the notion that they can't....


my scans have been set for the end of this month. and i think that's making it seem more scary and real - like holy s**t this is actually happening!! and i've barely survived the past two years -> how the h can i do more!?!

[TunedOut]

Originally Posted by jrae

my scans have been set for the end of this month. and i think that's making it seem more scary and real - like holy s**t this is actually happening!! and i've barely survived the past two years -> how the h can i do more!?!

Yes, anticipation of an important scan is hard and increases anxiety (I already have anxiety but stress makes it worse--I tend to do better during the scan--for me, anticipation of possible bad news is worse than bad news--uncertainty can be hard to deal with). I hope you eventually get some good news.