There are no set rules of etiquette, and do whatever you are comfortable and can live with. I've seen some "How to tell others about Cancer" suggestions either here, elsewhere, maybe ACS, but a quick search will show them, plus many may follow and offer their thoughts.

I believe most people are supportive, although some may not be, and ran into a few of them, and some patients have to be carefull with thier employment as far as benefits, medical etc. It is a buisness after all, and most have some type of employment rights. I always found honesty to be the best policy with your employer. I also found support in people I least expected, even strangers. As time went on, I'm almost 5 years from my original diagnosis, still battling this disease 7x, and many from the start I seldom hear from now, even family, so time is an aspect too.

I was, and still am a private, straight forward guy, and rarely ask for help, not here maybe lol, and did not belong to Facebook or any other internet social or cancer groups, including here until after a year dealing with cancer. If I can count on one hand who I call my friend that's a lot, and like it that way too. As far as work, I was hospitiized for an extensive period, so that took care of business of who telling who what. I only answered to one person, and didn't have to explain much to anyone, never did anyway lol, and there is HIPPA too, but once one person knows, everyone does, usually. If I said anything, it was on a need to know basis or those who were genuinely concerned, visited me.

I hope this helps.





10/09 T1N2bM0 Tonsil
11/09 Taxo Cisp 5-FU, 6 Months Hosp
01/11 35 IMRT 70Gy 7 Wks
06/11 30 HBO
08/11 RND PNI
06/12 SND PNI LVI
08/12 RND Pec Flap IORT 12 Gy
10/12 25 IMRT 50Gy 6 Wks Taxo Erbitux
10/13 SND
10/13 TBO/Angiograph
10/13 RND Carotid Remove IORT 10Gy PNI
12/13 25 Protons 50Gy 6 Wks Carbo
11/14 All Teeth Extract 30 HBO
03/15 Sequestromy Buccal Flap ORN
09/16 Mandibulectomy Fib Flap Sternotomy
04/17 Regraft hypergranulation Donor Site
06/17 Heart Attack Stent
02/19 Finally Cancer Free Took 10 yrs