The family member who has cancer is a private and good preson whohas told some family members but won't tell the rest. How do you explain that whole family needs to know.
2007-08-01 16:53:58 · 8 answers · asked by Anonymous in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ Cancer
First of all, who to tell is that person's choice to make, not anybody else's. Please respect his decisions. I understand it might put you in some uncomfortable situations but please show that person that you respect his/her ability to make decisions and honor them. A good way to open a discussion with the sick family member would be to ask him/her why she feels that not all of the family should know. Be as nonjudgemental as possible. I hope this helps.
2007-08-01 17:29:37 · answer #1 · answered by kyle d 5 · 3⤊ 0⤋
First, you need to respect their wishes. Second, you shouldn't be the one to tell the rest of the family, unless they ask you to.
I know it's tough to be in this situation. I am very much like your family member who has cancer. When I was diagnosed with colon cancer, I decided who got told when and how much they were told. I would have resented anyone who took it on their own authority to tell others what I decided not to tell.
But since I really think you're trying to do what is best overall, if you have a very close relationship with this person maybe you can gently talk to them about how they would feel if the information was going the other direction, If, for example, one of the people who hasn't been told had cancer themselves and didn't want them to know. I can't promise it will make a difference, but it will have to be done gently and with love or not at all.
2007-08-02 02:20:58 · answer #2 · answered by dee 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Well my friend ive been in the same boat. My mom had cancer and she only told a few of us, same as urs a very private person. Sooner or later it all came out she had cancer and was dying. when me and my close family knew that mom was terminal we ended up letting the other fam members know it was and is the right thing to do. may god bless and keep you all, and give you strength to go thru this.
2007-08-03 09:11:42 · answer #3 · answered by renae2007_1986 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The whole family does NOT need to know. According to the Health Insurance Information and Privacy Act, it is illegal to give information on anothers health. I have seen so many peoples final days ruined because of family turmoil due to telling them. They always want to impose their wishes on to the patient, are calling at all hours or simply dropping in when the patient needs quiet, and cause grief. It is not your business to tell anyone and if you see anyone you should be most discreet about it. I am sorry and dont want to sound like preaching but please respect and realize if it were you as the patient, you might have some preferences too.
2007-08-02 03:36:28 · answer #4 · answered by barthebear 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think the person who has cancer is the one who needs to tell others, of his/her choice. BUT!!! Let him know that he/she is now a part of the family (health) history. You know how doctors ask..."Do you have this illness in your family?" It's in almost all the forms you fill out when you go see your docs. They want to know what your family health history is. Just an idea. Hopefully this helps.
2007-08-03 06:11:38 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
No they don't. Let the person make their own decisions as long as possible. They may change their mind later. I didn't. I didn't want to see anyone at the hospital or at home. My kids (grown) didn't come to chemo treatments. This was my thing and I did it 5 yrs ago.
2007-08-02 08:12:06 · answer #6 · answered by dtwladyhawk 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Try to tell them the whole family needs to know in case anything happens. And tell them the family cares about them deeply. Also give them a chance to tell your family on their own.
2007-08-01 16:58:51 · answer #7 · answered by Crystal M 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
idk just tell them. they will be ok
2007-08-01 16:56:38 · answer #8 · answered by badydude12 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋