When is it appropriate to disclose an illness to new friends?

Lately I have been making new friends through local mothers’ groups. Yesterday, my children and I went on a play date at one of the other mother’s house. The conversation at one point centered on trips to the emergency room with children. One mother had to have a fish hook removed from her daughter’s back after her daughter poorly attempted to cast a fishing pole. The other mother told a story about her toddler son who hit his head on the kitchen counter – under his father’s care of course. He needed stitches on his forehead and was seen by a plastic surgeon. As I listened to these stories I could feel the difference between us. I have dealt with life and death type situations several times over the past few years. When little Bobby bit through his lip after falling on a friends boat last summer, we just made sure the bleeding stopped and moved on. He has a nice scar but I think it adds character. I always hesitate before telling people, we are just getting to know, about Bob’s health. I usually say, “Bob has chronic health problems.” I’ve learned not to overreact when the kids get hurt which in turn helps them not to overreact. Maybe I’m too laid back about it. What do those of you with chronic health conditions tell people you are just meeting? Do you wait until it comes up in conversation? Do you find you are not easily upset by the more common emergencies like cuts or broken bones?
Source: Life with CLL - Category: Cancer Authors: Tags: cancer Source Type: blogs