Telling Loved Ones About Your Ovarian Cancer Diagnosis

This article was originally published on LungCancer.net.

Dealing with a diagnosis of ovarian cancer on your own can be quite hard. There are many important decisions to consider, and much to think over so you can take the necessary steps to get the best treatment for you. Sharing your diagnosis with those closest to you can help you deal with the reality of what’s happening, and can help you get the support and encouragement you need.

When and how to share

There is no right or wrong way of sharing this news with those close to you. It truly is whatever you are comfortable with. The most important thing to keep in mind is that you need to be content with who you tell, and how much you share with them. Sharing and talking can help everyone accept the journey ahead, and prepare your loved ones for the support you will need.

When telling family and friends about your ovarian cancer diagnosis, you may want to think about how to approach the subject. Making a list ahead of time of who you want to share your news with and how much you would like to tell them can be a great place to start. You may want to share more information with some people and less with others. When communicating with those closest to you, it may be helpful to share resources with them. This may include websites for more information, support groups, and communities like this one. Resources can be a great way to help them understand, without putting added stress on you to explain and answer tons of questions.

Put your needs first

When sharing your news, you may want to tell them what you need or want from them right now. Take time to think about how others can help you. You may want help at home with chores, with sharing details with the rest of the family, or someone to act as an extra set of ears at appointments. Getting others involved and informed can help ease your burden, especially when you lay out what you specifically need.

Try to remember this is about you. Focus on yourself instead of worrying about family and friends and how they are going to handle your diagnosis. Do what you need to do to help yourself get through this journey. You do not need to spend extra energy worrying about how others are going to handle your journey.

If you work, consider letting your coworkers know what is going on. You may want to share with your supervisor or an HR person first, and they may help communicate your needs to coworkers who need to know.

Be sure to remember you have certain rights in the workplace! It may get tiring telling people continuously about the details of your journey, and there may be times you might not want to talk at all. This is perfectly understandable. You may want to ask a family member to be your “spokesperson” during those times when you are emotionally exhausted and not up to fielding questions or conversations.

Being prepared for these conversations can help

Prepare yourself to go through many emotions on your ovarian cancer journey, keeping in mind those close to you will as well. You may become angry at times, and some of those around you may too. Remember, it’s not you the anger is pointed at, but the situation.

As overwhelming as your diagnosis may be for both you and your loved ones, sharing and talking can help everyone get through this together.