The word "Survivor."

I do feel like a survivor, but I wasn't the warrior, my medical team was. The battles were fought in my body with chemo, radiation and surgery. I spent every infusion imagining the chemo attacking the cancer cells in my body and chasing the cancer cells that were trying to escape the battle zone and destroying them. With every treatment, I visualized the defeat of that enemy. I helped with better nutrition, rest and exercise.

I am so happy for you!!!

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.

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!

I like your attitude!
Swine flu was bad- I’m sorry you developed lifelong issues. You were so young.
Reminds me of one of my daughters who developed Cushing’s around 20 and had pituitary tumor removed some years later.
She also has long term problems- being young she just kept chugging along!

Thankyou!! And keep the faith!❤️

I don’t view myself as a survivor although I appreciate that this word has helped many women who have undergone and continue to undergo treatment for breast cancer. Five years post chemo, radiation, bilateral mastectomies, and aromatase inhibitors the cancer returned on my liver. I am one of the many women living with cancer and it has become part of my life.
Whatever gets you through, you do. If it’s a word, a color, Buddha, Allah, Jesus,
or the universe, go for it. May we all find that inner peace.

I'm reading this an I'm saying -- what the heck? As I always say, each person's case is so different! Lots of lessons here. Would be helpful to know the stats (as I always say on this particular forum). What a marvelous attitude! Treatments being what they are, I think more and more will be "living with cancer" May we all find the inner peace you have!

I use the word survivor because others do, but truth be told I believe the cancer will return in one form or another, in one year or another. I feel I " survived this round ". I also don't believe if someone has had cancer they can truely feel " cancer" free. I think the bell should represent being done w chemo vs being cancer free. Just my thoughts. If those words or actions help someone feel better though, thats great!

I share your feelings on this. My image is that I've packed a suitcase for recurrence (I expect it to happen) but I don't take the suitcase everywhere I go (I don't worry about it yet). Take care.