Sharing the News - sounds so positive doesn't it?

New Years - Tofino, BC.    Who can stress or worry while in Tofino?  All is beautiful in Tofino.  Great place to spend with family and just chill.  There's lots to do there but many reasons not to do anything.

Just before heading out to Tofino I messaged out to my immediate family my diagnosis.  The idea being that they could digest the news first and respond in their own time and I'd be away from the phone (although I had e-mail) so I could shut off correspondence as I wished.    I also included a few of my close friends - those who I knew could support me and not put me in a position where I felt that I needed to support them.

Handling the diagnosis is one emotional ride, but sharing the news with others is just as much of a trip.  Takes a lot of emotional energy to tell the story over and over again.  I guess also a good way to own the story - after telling it so many times.  

A few days before New Years I shared with my kids, 19, 17 and 15.   Too much for them to take in but now we could talk about it - the upcoming surgery, recovery and possible treatment.   Shock, avoidance, fear, and a few jokes to cut the tension.  Namely my bumpy scalp, which creeps them out and how horrible it would look with no hair.   It was perfect to have the few days together and long ride home to feel out how we were all handling things.

Next, my soccer team - I'm not going to be playing games for a while after surgery and then who knows.    Great supportive group of women and I made the mistake of telling a group of them in person rather than by e-mail - sorry gals for putting you on the spot like that!  

Ok - so now it's out there.   It's real.