So....There's a possibility that I have Leukemia, but I'm not sure yet. Only the doctor, myself, and my sister know. I'm making arrangements to get a Bone Marrow Biopsy, and should find out 6 weeks after that whether or not I have it. My question: If you were me, would you tell your parents? I don't want to say anything b/c I don't want them stressed out for nothing, and I want to wait until I know for sure. My sister thinks I should tell them "so they can prepare." Prepare for what? Anyway...would you tell, or keep your mouth shut?
2006-11-11 21:40:30 · 12 answers · asked by Dick Richie 2 in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ Cancer
No one knows for sure! I just have high white/red blood cell counts. My doctors are idiots! They're following procedures from a flow chart. I don't want my parents to freak out over nothing. Still think I should tell them?
2006-11-11 21:49:42 · update #1
Oh, I have absolutely no typical symptoms related to leukemia.
2006-11-11 21:50:34 · update #2
Hi Dicky,
I am so sorry to hear of the problems you are having. I have recently had to have tests for a serious condition, and I must confess I didn't tell my parents, like you I didn't want to worry them, but everyday I wanted to pick the phone up and talk to my mum about my worries and concerns. But on the other hand if you told them then you would have a wider network of support, which you may or may not need, but it would be there.
In hindsight I would of told more family and friends so I could have had that network of support, it was really hard going through all that with just myself and one other person knowing.
I hope things work out OK for you sweetie, and I wish you all the best with your decision, hope I have helped a little.
Migz ;-)
2006-11-17 00:17:19 · answer #1 · answered by Migz 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Six weeks is too long to wait for a cancer diagnosis. Cancer can grow and spred quickly, so time is always an issue. My son was diagnosed the first day, and started chemotherapy three days later, the confirmation of the type of cancer came one week later (his oncologist already suspected what he had and didn't want to delay treatment.)
You need answers now. You deserve answers. Your first order of business is to request a second opinion.
I am not sure why you do not want to tell your parents about the possibility that you have cancer. I know that it is hard, but on the other hand you need all the support that you can gather as you prepare for whatever the news is . . good or bad. I guess it all depends on your relationship with your parents whether you tell them or not. It doesn't sound like you are very close to them, or you don't feel like they will be supportive? Or are you scared that if you tell them, it will make the situation too real for you?
The hardest thing that I have ever had to do is call my own parents and tell them that their grandson had stage IV abdominal cancer. I could barely get the words out because I knew how devastated they would feel (I was devastated already). The emotional pain is incredible. But, my parents came through for me. They did what they could to ease the burdens at home, so I could concentrate on getting my son well.
I guess that it is up to you to tell them or not. Assess your current situation both financially and emotionally. If it would help you emotionally or financially for them to know, than they need to know. If you are not close to them, and can handle your life between now and diagnosis, than hold onto your news until you are sure.
Good luck, and I hope it is not leukemia!
2006-11-12 09:08:55 · answer #2 · answered by Panda 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If I were you, I would tell them. However, I am very close to my mom and rely on her support through difficult times. Do what feels right to you. If you need their support, tell them. Just don't make the decision not to tell them because you want to protect them. They have already spent a lot of years worrying about you.
I hope your biopsy goes well. If the diagnosis is leukemia, find a specialist. There are doctors who specialize in not only cancer but blood diseases. You are in my thoughts. Best wishes.
2006-11-12 05:56:32 · answer #3 · answered by raintigar 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You should definitely tell them, and find out, at the same time, if there is a history of cancer in your family. Because unfortunately, that makes your chance of having leukemia, a little higher.
No, don't keep this from them...
Good luck!
2006-11-12 05:50:50 · answer #4 · answered by Heloise South Africa 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You should probhably wait till you get your test results if you don't want your parents to get stressed up so soon. And you need to think more positive about not having leukemia, well, cause thinking positive can make miracles happen. :-) Relax! everything will be just fine.
2006-11-12 05:52:06 · answer #5 · answered by dahelunover 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The good news is leukemia is a very treatable diagnosis these days. I think you should tell your parents that you are being diagnosed for whatever symptoms you're having so as to get treatment for them. Tell them whatever it is that you have heard from your doctors.
It's normal to be frightened and want to minimize a situation like yours.The reason we have support systems is for times like this. I encourage you to use yours.
2006-11-12 05:48:37 · answer #6 · answered by KIT J 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Are you going to a Oncologist?? If not, I would recommend that you do. A blood oncologist specializes in blood disorders and that is what leukemia is....I would wait to tell my parents until I was sure.
2006-11-12 12:10:19 · answer #7 · answered by lorac 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i have really been hurt by my family, because of lack of communication.in other words,hey mom ,dad i cannot trust you to be there for me. i`m scared ,worried, but it`s o.k.- ireally don`t need you! my brother (only family ) has done this to me. it really hurts & drives a wedge between you. GOD BLESS i wish you the very best GOOD LUCK!! then tell them the docs are idiots too!
2006-11-12 05:58:10 · answer #8 · answered by ? 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
wow, that is a lot for you to keep to yourself. your parents would probably want to know. they might be angry and hurt if they found out later. especially if someone else told them. do what you feel is right. good luck! hopefully you will find the results negative.
2006-11-12 05:43:17 · answer #9 · answered by kimberly k 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Go to a Wholistic Practitioner, a Naturopath,
and get a hair analysis done then follow
the W. P. advise!
I got my cancer under control with teas: Comfrey, Skullcap, Dandelion, Clover, &
Green tea!
Tell them they might have some advise that
can help you!
2006-11-12 07:11:43 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋