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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Keeping cancer diagnosis secret from children

128 replies

CompromisedConnie · 10/12/2025 18:02

DP was diagnosed with a life limiting but not life threatening cancer (CLL) 12 months ago. He doesn’t want me to tell the children as you wouldn’t know to look at him. Children are 9 &16. He is young and it’s been awful for us. I support him and we have come through the worst of it. Prognosis is good.

However…

I cannot talk to anyone about this as he doesn’t want children finding out. I support him but there is no one to support me. I’m not being honest with my children or family and it’s really upsetting me. We argue about it which is putting strain on our relationship.

Would I be unreasonable if I told the children and went against his wishes?

OP posts:
snoopythebeagle · 10/12/2025 18:06

Please don't hide it from your children. They'll find out eventually.

Bruisername · 10/12/2025 18:05

That’s tough.

why doesn’t he want to tell the kids? Do you think it’s fair to tell the kids to ease your feelings if it’s going to be devastating for them?

might it be worth exploring this with your DH and a third party like a therapist?

Daisymay8 · 10/12/2025 18:03

Can Daddy be ill without mentioning the C word?