Do you keep your cancer to yourself or do you wear it on your sleeve?

Bloodproblems

I am happy to talk to anyone that wants to talk to me about it, but I don't spread it freely. I just feel funny talking about it still. Does it bother you to talk about it?

Dawsonsmom

It doesn’t bother me to talk about it, but I rarely initiate any discussion. I think others are uncomfortable much of the time b/c there is still some stigma that cancer=death. My husband and one friend hear more than others.....well, except my therapist. :-)

Carool

Is there anyone within 100 miles who *doesn’t* know I had breast cancer? There must be some people....I told it to many, and in telling people in my apartment building, I learned that one woman not only had had breast cancer but was misdiagnosed by the same radiologist. And I’m in NYC, where there are a gazillion radiologists! Anyway, I’ve never regretted revealing my diagnosis, when appropriate.

Kp2018

Being a private person, I kept news of and information about my diagnosis limited to close family. Initially, I think that helped me process the bad news at my own pace and go through treatment unencumbered by the responsibility to answer to others. I realize that this isn't the norm today, but I have absolutely no regrets. Throughout it all, I have been treated as a person, not a cancer.

BuckeyeShelby

BP, I'm with you. I didn't proclaim my diagnosis from the rooftops, but if people had questions or cancer came up in conversation, I didn't hide it. And if I heard of a coworker being diagnosed, I'd step forward and let them know they are not alone.

GregP_WN

After my first two diagnoses, I didn't go shouting about it but I talked to anyone who was a cancer patient about their diagnosis and what I went through. After my 3rd I started shouting and speaking, joined relay for life to help raise research funding and help others get through what I have already been through.

po18guy

I talk about it too much. Those closest to me have reminded me o this. What I am working on is being a better listener, and that is not easy for a motor-mouth.

Teachertina

It’s interesting that my husband brings it up more than I do when meeting new people. He is proud of how I’ve handled it all, but sometimes I really don’t want to tell everyone, especially if I haven’t gotten to know them that well. I think it may help him to talk about it . He’s been through a lot as a caregiver!

Bengal

I kept it to myself and closest family at first; until I had time to process the diagnosis myself (still not sure I've successfully done that. I'm almost three years out). I don't advertise it but I've learned not to flinch every time I hear the word "cancer" and I will talk about it if anyone wants that conversation.

Created07

I didn't talk about the first three much. The first one, endometrial, is a very private one. Thank goodness for 'What Next' because I have never felt so alone. The next one, breast, has a whole sisterhood. But still it was mostly between the 'sisters', family and 'this' family. The last 'non-hodgkins', the hair was gone. My sweet son-in-law bought me a lovely (expensive) wig. When I wore it out, people would look, turn and whisper. While in the hospital the first time, a precious little nurse ordered me a $20.00 pale pink bob. That changed Everything. everywhere I went it opened conversations. That was wonderful. I had no idea how many cancer patients were hungry just to be able to talk to someone who understood. Each one now knows about one of my greatest blessings....What Next. Oh, I said the first three. The third one was found by my plastic surgeon and cut out by my dermatologist..malignant melanoma...end of story:)

MiriamMarino

When I speak with my family and friends, I tell them I don't wish to speak about my cancer and the treatment for it, and that I wish to hear about what's happening in their life.