HI I am certainly no expert in this field but from my experience of dealing with terminal cancer for the last 6 years is this.  For family I have decided to just be upfront and explain everything.  The first time I kept alot to myself and I found it only made it more difficult for me.  I had to watch what i said all the time.  I found that eventhough its hard and there are normally lots of tears, that in the long run it was better.  Your family can't fully help you if they are not fully informed.  I know my family were quite hurt when i kept things from them.  Hard conversations but better in the long run. For smaller family members we name my portable chemo bottle "Libby" and Libby comes to visit each fortnight and is medicine to help me stay healthy.  Thats all they really needed to know and they accept that.  Hope this helps Roselee ... View more