Page 28 - LIVESTRONG Digital Guidebook

It may be easier to talk with friends and coworkers If this sounds like a good method for you, look
that you have known for a long time. If you do not into online nonprofit organizations that make it easy
know someone well, it may be more challenging to to build your own website such as:
decide what to say.
Tell friends and coworkers specifically what • CaringBridge.org
information you want them to share with others. For • LotsaHelpingHands.org
example, you may discuss your health situation with • MyLifeLine.org
your boss, but also ask him or her not to share cer-
tain information with others. This can help you con- Friends and loved ones may ask you how they can
trol what information is discussed with other people. help. Some of these websites also help you organize
ways people can get involved. They can sign up to help
Only you can decide when it is the right time to with tasks such as cooking, cleaning or transportation.
tell another person about a cancer diagnosis. A good
rule of thumb is to tell others when you feel com-
fortable doing so. If you cannot decide what to do or
want help, discuss this matter with a trusted friend,
loved one, licensed social worker or counselor.

After you tell family and friends, you may want
to find an easy way to keep them up to date on your
progress during cancer treatment. It can be hard to
manage phone calls, emails and other contacts. One
way to do this is by using one of the free websites
designed for this type of communication. You can
ask a friend or loved one to help you set up your own
website. It is then easy to provide updates to oth-
ers. They can also use the site to send messages that
support you during this time.

LIVESTRONG means finding the best way to live your life.

See the LIVESTRONG Guidebook Planner and Journal pages:
Just Diagnosed: Finding Support

Read more about living with cancer at LIVESTRONG.org/WeCanHelp
• Telling Others You Are a Survivor
• Communicating With Your Partner
• Setting Priorities

28 L I V E S T R O N G G U I D E B O O K www.LIVESTRONG.org/WeCanHelp