I recently had skin cancer removed from my face and took four weeks off work to recover.

I told people at work that I was on vacation.

The cancer was down the side of my ear, near the hairline and I have a slightly noticeable scar on my face now.

I am a very private person, and felt uncomfortable telling everybody what was happening.

But now on the dreaded rumour mill I hear whispers that I have had cosmetic surgery.

Do I tell the truth?  

I guess eventually that somebody will ask me directly, even if it is only so that they can add to the gossip.

What would you do?

I am feeling really uncomfortable at work and feel like everyone is talking behind my back.

Please, give me some advice.

I HOPE your recovery is complete now and you remain free of any further cancer activity.

Remain vigilant and remember the “Slip, Slop, Slap” mantra.

With regards to the gossip mill, I personally would ignore the whole thing.

Who cares if you had cosmetic surgery?

And I realise that you didn’t but even if you had, whose business is it?

If these people were not close enough to you to know you had a health issue why should you now need to explain?

You had your reasons for keeping your surgery private and I really can’t see why that should change just because people are curious.

There is a big difference between idle curiosity and legitimate care!

Keep smiling and move on, there will be something else for them to chatter about in the next week or two.

WE wouldn't worry about it. It will die down eventually.

None of their damn business really.