DEAR MISS MANNERS: I received a cancer diagnosis two months ago. Initially, I was quite open in discussing it with others when warranted — for example, explaining to co-workers why I would be out on certain days. I had a lot of optimism and didn’t feel I needed privacy, so I gave people carte blanche to ask questions.

Now I’m regretting the open invitation. My cancer is a little more serious than previously thought, and I’ve learned the hard way that well-meaning people accidentally deposit their fears and, frankly, conspiracies onto cancer patients.

It’s wearing away at what’s left of my optimism, and I’d really like to discuss anything else at this point. Is there a way to politely take back the invitation? Or am I just going to have to lie in the bed I made?

GENTLE READER: Only the

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