Mum asked me to attend her appointment, but my siblings expect a full medical update. What should I share?
Family“Put the doctor's notes in the group so we all know what's going on,” my brother texted while I was driving Mum home.
Mum lives in the United States and had asked me to come to a clinic appointment to help remember her questions. She was present, spoke for herself and chose to have me in the room. Afterwards she said she wanted the family to know the next appointment date, but didn't want the details discussed by fourteen people in the group chat.
My siblings say that because they might help later, they should have the whole picture now. I understand wanting to be prepared. I also didn't agree to become the person who distributes everything I hear.
I haven't sent the notes. Mum has offered to speak to my brother herself, but she is tired of explaining why she wants privacy.
How can we plan practical help while leaving her in control of the information she wants to share? And how should she make her preferences clear to the clinic?