Once home I had to think about who to tell, how and what to tell as I had breast cancer but no idea about what kind or what was going to happen next. All I knew is that I was on the NHS conveyor belt and the next stop would be the histology report in about ten days.
Telling people is an interesting one to ponder. I had mentioned to some girlfriends that I had been recalled and like me, they thought it was nothing to worry about. I decided that I would tell my parents in person, phone or skype the kids as they weren’t in Plymouth and send texts to friends. A particular girlfriend had had cancer several years before and phoned immediately so we could have a good cry together.
My stance was that the more people who knew about this the more could help both Nick and me, I didn’t know what sort of help we’d need but any would be welcome. I emailed my head teacher, and she phoned me back within minutes, it was the last day of our school summer holidays and she was spending quality time with her children, yet she was so supportive and kind. You find out quickly who is rooting for you! Kindness becomes a recurring theme.
Tip: There is no right or wrong way to tell or not tell people – you have to do what is right for you. Tell your workplace as soon as you can as you will need time for appointments.
