Administrator, Director of Patient Support Services Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 10,507 Likes: 7 | Lori, what I would suggest is keeping this quiet until you have it straight in your own mind. Once you tell people it will spread like crazy. Once its out you cant take it back so proceed with caution. I would suggest if you "go public" with your news then wait until you have your treatment plan.
You life is about to change dramatically. You dont need to add the stress of always discussing your medical condition as part of all your conversations. This takes alot of getting used to.
You have found a whole new bunch of friends right here on the OCF forum. This is a safe place to come to ask questions and if you need to, to vent. We understand what you are going thru as we have been there ourselves.
If you are overwhelmed, see your family doctor and ask for anxiety meds. Many OC patients (and quite a few caregivers too) have needed a little help to handle this major change.
Staying busy will help keep your mind from worrying so much.
Best wishes.
ChristineSCC 6/15/07 L chk & by L molar both Stag I, age44 2x cispltn-35 IMRT end 9/27/07 -65 lbs in 2 mo, no caregvr Clear PET 1/08 4/4/08 recur L chk Stag I surg 4/16/08 clr marg 215 HBO dives 3/09 teeth out, trismus 7/2/09 recur, Stg IV 8/24/09 trach, ND, mandiblctmy 3wks medicly inducd coma 2 mo xtended hospital stay, ICU & burn unit PICC line IV antibx 8 mo 10/4/10, 2/14/11 reconst surg OC 3x in 3 years very happy to be alive |