How Do I Tell People I Have Ocular Melanoma?

Telling your friends and family that you have a diagnosis of ocular melanoma can be challenging. "Cancer" can trigger strong emotions because we have been taught that having cancer is the worst possible thing. Give yourself time, learn as much as you can first before starting to share with others. Decide how much you want to share, how long the version of your story should be (and for whom), and who you feel needs to know this detail of your health history. If people react with pity, or treat you as though you are now suddenly frail and less capable, understand that this is coming from their past experiences, and is not a reflection of you. Choose to live pro-actively, with hope and stay engaged with the important things you do in life. Living by example can help change others' perceptions of what it is like to live with cancer. Get your copy of the one-page Ocular Melanoma: Start Here Guide, it will be emailed to you immediately. Welcome to Finding Your Way with Ocular Melanoma, a guide to understanding everything there is to know about your experience with this rare cancer. Learn through the lens of my knowledge and clinical experience as a physician expert and passionate patient advocate. The more you know about ocular melanoma, the better you will do, and the better you will live. Let's go! For Tara McCannel's resources (including webinar links and link to my book!), visit my website: https://seyhart.com/ocularmelanoma The content shared on the Finding Your Way with Ocular Melanoma podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The information provided must not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. As a listener, you are responsible for your own health-related decisions and must consider consulting with a healthcare professional for personalized medical advice.  Tara McCannel MD PhD is a an ocular oncologist, vitreoretinal surgeon and co-founder of Seyhart Wellness. She is also the host of the Mind Body MD podcast where she shares her passion for holistic health and wellness.