Thoughts of person with cancer: I cannot keep this secret, I will tell Gerda maar immediately. It will scare her, but I better be open about it.

Person with cancer: “Hello Gerda, today I had the rash of that lump in my breast you know? It's breast cancer.”

Thoughts employer: Oh no, so what should I say?

Employer: “What intense news! How do you feel now?”

Person with cancer: “I was shocked and I am not quite sure what to expect. In the coming period I will be receiving more studies and more needs to be clarified.”

Employer: “I can imagine that. I am also shocked by this. I would like to support you as best I can, so please indicate what you need. How do you view the coming period? Do you want to stay at home? Or do you want to come and work partly?”

Person with cancer: “I don't really know very well. The news took me by surprise and I don't really know what the coming period will look like. I think I want to sign up for a few days to let everything sink in and think about how to proceed. Then let's have contact again.”

Employer: “That's good. Take the time you need but let's keep in touch. Will you let me know if anything changes or if I can make a difference?”