Discussions

 I know it sounds like a dumb question but, when exactly do you become a survivor?? (man I can't spell !!_) lol ....really though when?

I feel like one now 1/2 way thru treatments!

Lisa613

Hi Lisa, they save 5 years is the big survivor. Some say yearly, I say every day I wake up, I am a survivor. Hope you keep doing well.

Cajun Lady 

 I was wondering the same thing. The question I think is what do you use as your anniversary date? The date you were diagnosed, the date you had your surgery, the date you finished chemo? In my case I have to have Herceptin for a year. Does that mean I don't start counting till a year from now?

I think there are so many different answers out there as to when you actually become a survivor.  In my humble little opinion, it is with that first breath you take after hearing words "you have cancer".  It just seems that there is no official moment; it's just a personal choice, I think, when you consider yourself a survivor.

Tcakes

 I totally and also humbly agree with you Tcakes!  I have said it before that once we hear the words "you have cancer" each and every day you are a survivor!  Ive also said I dont want to minimize the importance of the 1 yr, 5 yr, etc Survivor, its just my own personal oipinion that we each survive each and every day fighting this nasty disease and that makes us Survivors!

I think you said it better though Tcakes!!!!

If I had to give a date I guess my date would be my last radiation date or when my onco said I was in remission.,,though theres another dilemma for you....how do they really know if your in remission or not?

 Not a dumb question at all.   I have thought about it many times.  As I first found out on New Years Eve Day and I have gone through the surgery, the chemo and now am going on the Arimdex; I consider every day after that day my first of surviving this horrible disease.   When my husband and I were young, New Years Eve was always a big party with friends!  As the years have gone by things have quieted a bit but from this year going forward it will be a big party once again.  We will celebrate the fact that I have survived and he and I will have many years together in the future with our loving family.

I agree that you are a survivor from the time you find out you have cancer and go forward until your last breath! And I do not want to waste one precious moment. I also agree that it is a personal decision each person gets to make. I was diagnosed in Feb of 2008. I had three surgeries( biopsy, lumpectomy, mastectomy, and am taking Arimidex for a minimum of 5 years. That year anniversary was very special but everyday is a gift.

 I'm a rookie in this cancer mess but I conisder myself a survivor also.. I had my mastectomy on May 4, 2009. I thank God for every day he gives me after I was told I had cancer. I particiapted in the American Cancer Society's local "Relay for Life " walk last weekend. They gave me a T-shirt that had "Survivor" on the back.  I proudly wore it that night.  It was like my badge of courage! I turn 40 in Oct.  I am thinking of having a party because I am surviving! I think anyone who has been told they have cancer becomes a survivor as they fight it daily.

I believe we are a survivor from day one.  We have cancer and are surviving!  I was wondering the same thing then I read "Crazy Sexy Cancer Tips" by Kris Carr.  She answer this big question along with many others in a very cool kick cancer's ars kinda way. 

 I know we all have our own personal days that we consider as our survivor anniversary date. But I really would like to know from a medical standpoint what day they consider the anniversary.

 I think you're on your way to feeling like a survivor when you wake up and your first thought is not all your surgeries, chemo and anything related to to your cancer.  The first time a smile comes to you naturally and you feel some inner peace for you have accepted where you've been and yet life has moved on and you moved right along with it without even realizing it for time does have a way of healing us, but we don't ever forget where we've been.

faith

 Wow! what an interesting question.  I felt that once I survived chemo, surgeries, and radiation I WAS A SURVIVOR.   I am in a high percentage of recurrance so I do pay attention to diet and exercise.

I became curious and put the question to the internet and found a page of information from Cornell University by some doctor that answers this question in three ways. Here is the web address if your interested.   http://envirocancer.cornell.edu/FactSheet/Diet/fs44.survival.cfm

However I do agree with all the responses. I do think that being a survivor is an individually decided by the individual. But what the heck, the next time you see or speak with your doctor ask the question.  I will be talking to my medical team tomorrow and i will ask.  It will be interesting to learn the differences between the doctors.

Good Question!

Crismatic

I chose my suvivor day... the last radiation treatment.... When I walked out. I kissed the ground.... threw my hands in the air... and said "THANK YOU GOD... AND HAPPY NEW BIRTHDAY TO ME!!!!!"  So my brand new birthday is June 4th 2008!!!!!!!!!!!!  God Bless you all!!!!!!!!!!!! 

Kewl Bjspeed! I think my survivor day is going to be the day i walk out of the hospital next month after my mastectomy/reconstruction surgery!