Hi Audrey,
My parents were 82 the first time I was diagnosed and 86 when I got cancer the second time. Because they tend to worry when they don't hve all the facts, I waited until I had a suregry date and knew what the treatment plans were and odds of them working before I called my parents in FL to tell them I had cancer. I was amazed at how well they took it. It was 5 days before surgery when I told them so they didn't have a lot of time to brood over what might happen.

It is not necessary to tell everyone at the same time bt if you do decide to hold off telling your parents, make certain that those who do know, know you are waiting to tell them until you have all the facts. You know how your parents will react so tell them when you think is best.

Take care,
Eileen


----------------------
Aug 1997 unknown primary, Stage III
mets to 1 lymph node in neck; rt ND, 36 XRT rad
Aug 2001 tiny tumor on larynx, Stage I total laryngectomy; left ND
June 5, 2010 dx early stage breast cancer
June 9, 2011 SCC 1.5 cm hypo pharynx, 70% P-16 positive, no mets, Stage I