I remember my first meeting with my oncology team leader. He described my tumor and then starting talking about the treatment plan. When I heard the word "chemo", I mentally checked out. I don't remember a word he said after that. I think they can tell by the look in your eye that you've had enough for one sitting. You are about to spend every weekday with a member of the team so there will be other opportunities to share info.

That (not telling me everything up front) used to tick me off until I spoke with an oncology nurse from another office. She shared that very early in her career she went through the plan in detail with a patient who shortly after committed suicide. Clearly this person had other very serious emotional issues but it changed her thinking regarding discussions of treatment. My team played it perfect: I was always told the truth, it was given to me when I needed to know it and they answered any questions I asked. Looking back I can see what a balancing act that is!