To keep this to myself?

[Newbie198]

Diagnosed with BCC (skin cancer). Chemo cream has removed one pre cancer spot, and reduced the size of the BCC so far. Having other marks checked out.

I haven’t told husband, grown children and definitely not elderly parents. All would panic, and then worry. A lot.

It’s a very common, low risk condition and there’s a very good chance it will be treated successfully by creams alone and no one would ever know.

Can I add the Dr was unconcerned, blasé even.

Has anyone here kept a medical condition to themselves?

Please be kind, as despite everything, I am indeed feeling a bit fragile about it all this evening, hence the post.

As a PP said, BCCs used to be called 'rodent ulcers' because they almost never spread beyond the point where they started - they need removing because they do get gradually bigger, but that's it. Couldn't you say you're having a bit of sun-damaged skin treated or something?

I have had medical issues that I’ve kept to myself or told people later. I’m a no-fuss v sufficient person and was once described as a cat as I’ll hide all injuries!

As I’ve gotten older I have reflected more about why I’m like this. For me it’s a pattern of minimising anything ‘bad’ to lessen the impact for other people, even when it comes at a cost to me and so I take a lot on myself. Far too much sometimes and I’ve realised people are either stronger than I give them credit for or need to find their own strength because I can’t do it all for them. Sometimes I’ve also been surprised at the reaction when I have told people and how they’ve helped so don’t underestimate that.

Something to think about maybe. Good luck 🤞

I’d ask myself how I would feel if my husband announced a year after the fact (or whatever) that he’d had this and been dealing with it alone.

honestly, I think I’d be hurt that he didn’t confide in me. Is your husband the type who would feel like that?

If so, if it’s such a little deal after all then what’s the problem in telling him?

If you must you could tell him that the sites you are treating are just things that need removed in case they turn into something sinister I suppose. But I’d want to tell the truth. If it’s so little a deal who cares who knows?

Although I’d not tell young kids unless it was to keep them off sunbeds or something constructive.