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← Return to The word "Survivor."
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I never liked to use the term survivor- how would we really know if we are going to survive? Cancer may return as has been mentioned.
I had mastectomy and chemo 32 years ago- I guess I have survived that cancer. I wouldn’t use the word brave either- chemo for me was horrible- I treated it more like a job I had to do.
What I didn’t know was the effect the chemo would have on my body in the long run.
It weakened my immune system- I had frequent infections and later on autoimmune disease that affected quality of life for the past 15 years.
Last year I was diagnosed with early stage lung cancer and treated. I’m grateful that it was found so early.
I’m 80 now and not as scared of cancer as when I was diagnosed- I had young children then.
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I appreciate your comments! I "survived" swine flu/lung damage at 21 only to have 50 years of problems afterwards. I survived "sort of"--although being so young I did get to ask the useful question--survive what what reasons--and perhaps went on to have a more meaningful life. Now at 70 with neuroendocrine cancer in breast and many co-morbities I don't aim to survive (as in live forever!?) but I do aim to live each day with intention. I think the earlier experience actually did help--in terms of gratitude and focus. Keep the faith!