When are we SURVIVORS??

HollyHopes

I'm wondering when you begin to count yourself as a survivor?  Is it from the date of diagnosis or the date of completion of treatment? 

barbe1958

I say as long are you are considering the question, you are a survivor. When you can't say the sentence anymore, you're not a survivor.

lexislove

I know that the Canadian Cancer Society's 5 year Breast Cancer survival statistics are based from time/date of diagnosis. I go by the same.

VickiG

It's from dx... if you wait until the end of treatment to start counting, then those of us who will be in treatment forever will never be considered "survivors".

Debonthelake

I really like Barb's answer.

pk0199

I'll second that one! We are here now, we are survivors!

HollyHopes

ok - thanks...i guess i think of how long i am out of tx as my survival stats...but everythign everyone said makes sense.....thank you lovely ladies all...

holligoog

My Battle - My Victory

Yesterday I fought a Battle, But I did not fight alone-

I had a Protector - A Guide, I was never on my own

This enemy came to me suddenly, No warning as to prepare-

And before I knew what happened, this enemy was everywhere.

I felt so overwhelmed; Did no one know my pain?

How could this be happening to me, How did it know my name?

Today I fight this battle, The enemy with me still

It has not yet taken control, Nor has it broke my will

It is hurtful and it is cruel, It doesn't care the damage it causes

It is wearing down my defenses; I can soon count my losses.

It is ruthless and emotionless, Its purpose to destroy

I can not, must not let it, Will not let it have control

Hear me when I tell you, Please listen when I say

I have many scars from this battle; I do struggle from day to day

It takes many things from me; Within my body it has much power

It affects loved ones around me; The battle has become a war

You may not know by looking at me, Then again maybe you can,

That this enemy shows no mercy, I fall when I can no longer stand

It does not care what age you are, or your status here on Earth

It doesn't count your income, or what you think you are worth

This battle that I speak of, Cancer is its name

And because I continue to fight, I will never be the same!

Tomorrow may never come for me; I live only in the present

My life is right here, right now, What I have is this very moment

But I will continue to fight, For I learned down on my knees

is where I fight this battle, It is where God gives me the victory.

lexislove

If you are able to hear the words, "you have cancer.." you are a survivor.