I did not tell my mother. . .for many reasons. 1) she is elderly, 2) she is a narcissist and 3 I didn't need the stress of dealing with her overacting about my health. Later when she found out I just said. Oh! well its not something that I felt compelled to share with everyone. . . I shared only with people that were supportive. And that worked for me.

I was so very, very sick/in pain for quite a long time before my diagnosis. I couldn't care for myself at all other than I could toilet myself. My family and friends all knew of how sick I was. I had lost 80 pounds over 12 months. When I finally got my diagnosis, I was glad because I finally knew what was making me hurt so much. I told my grown children right away because I finally felt like now, I could get the right medication/chemo to finally get better. So, it was with delight I told everyone. I realize this is a very uncommon, but I was so relieved to get an answer to what ailed me. BTW, I was stage 4 of DLBCL and after chemo I was cancer free.

Hi Joe,
Thanks for your sharing. I am glad you got the right diagnosis and are doing well.
Barbara8

Hi MikeC,
Thanks for your answer. I agree it is good to be open about the lymphoma. You have some really good friends!
Barbara8

That's a tough one Barbara. I don't think one size fits all. I received much support being open and candid. Sorry to say, much unlike behavioral health issues, there's a lot of concern. Friends were dropping off lasagna dinners all the time and constantly praying. I hope someday mental health patients will receive this kind of empathy though remission might be most elusive. ❣️