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The word "Survivor."

Posted by Miriam, Volunteer Mentor @mir123, Aug 6 10:04am

I've been reading discussions in these forums where people weigh in about the label of "breast cancer survivor." Do you find the label helpful, or not so much? Does it inhibit your thinking, or inspire it? I'm interested to hear more about everyone's thoughts on this. I'll add my own in a bit, once discussion has started.

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Breast Cancer Support Group.

maggieb892 | @maggieb892 | Sep 9 11:03am
In reply to @triciaot "When I hear the word “survivor” I think of the song by Gloria Gaynor, “I will..." + (show)
@triciaot

When I hear the word “survivor” I think of the song by Gloria Gaynor, “I will survive”, popular in 1978. It was before the TV show Survivor and all the wilderness survival shows that made winning the end point. It was a time when many women were still in very low paying jobs; only 8% of working women used childcare in 1977. “I will survive” had a different meaning for women then, than now.

Although Gloria’s song is about a relationship breakup, I see it as a metaphor for life. “At first I was afraid, I was petrified” - yep, life has handed me a few things like that. “But I grew strong, and I learned how to get along” - that, too.
So, when I was diagnosed it did feel a little like “I will survive” - because I knew nothing about the real issues of cancer. I think I walked out of every one of those early oncology/radiology/surgical appointments thinking “whew, I survived that”.

I don’t mind the term survivor, but it can seem a bit limiting as a defining term when considering my life and everything I am. As I age and I lose some little bit of physicality every year, I feel I become stronger. I have weathered through many years. And if you ask if I’m a survivor, I’ll probably start humming that song.

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I love the way you think about this

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alohalmv | @alohalmv | Sep 10 2:49pm

I was diagnosed with DCIS with micro invasion 10/23 and had a lupectomy 2/24. I had 15 radiation treatments and still recovering. My treatment plan initally was to include Tamoxifen after radiation for 5 years. I questioned my doctors about me taking Tamoxifen due to my other chronic medical contidions. I was recently diagnosed with severed osteoporosis. At my recent appointment with my medical oncologist I was told that I am not a candidate for Tamoxifen due to DVT history and not a candidate for aromatase inhibitors due to severe osteoporosis. If my DX scan results slated for 5/25 show bone density improvement I may be treated with an AI. My medical oncologist advised me to focus on the 6 pillars of wellness after breast cancer: Good Nutrition, Exercise, Social Engagement, Sleep, and no alcohol. Do I feel like a survivor? Some days not so much after witnessing what others have endured with Breast Cancer (including my mother). Some days I feel like I'm suspended or in limbo. And everyday I am grateful for the blessings of this part of my 74 year life journey. As always...one day at a time.

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