Breaking the news at work: My cancer diagnosis

Today was one of those days that will stay with me forever. I had to tell my colleagues about my pancreatic cancer diagnosis. It’s never easy to share this kind of news, but it felt especially hard knowing that many of them remember all too well losing Jane, my previous boss of 9 years, to the same illness not long ago.

Walking into that conversation, I felt a heaviness in my chest - not just from my own fears, but knowing the memories it might bring back for everyone else. Jane was an incredible person, and their loss left a mark on people, a reminder of just how devastating pancreatic cancer can be. I didn’t want my news to reopen those wounds, but I also knew I needed their support in the weeks and months to come.

As I spoke, I tried to balance honesty with hope. I explained my diagnosis, what the doctors have told me, and the next steps on this difficult road. And then, I told them about the fight that I’m ready to put up - how I’m doing everything I can to prepare my body for surgery, staying active, and holding on to the belief that I can get through this.

It wasn’t easy, but their response was a reminder of why I’m so grateful for this team. There were tears, but there was also so much compassion and understanding. Some of them shared their memories of Jane, which felt like a small way to honour the connection we all have, even in such difficult circumstances.