When are you considered "post-treatment"?

Tg5471530

When are we considered "post treatment"?  I am still trying to figure out which Aromatase inhibitor will work for me with the less side effects.  I have been having bad SE's on all of them so far (on Aromasin) and feel worse at times than when I was going through Chemo.  But technicly I am "Post treatment" right?  What do you tell people?

PlantLover

Hmmm ... personally I'll say I'm "post treatment" when I am no longer taking any meds specifically required due to my breast cancer diagnosis. Right now I'm taking Tamoxifen but guessing I'll get switched to an AI soon since I had my ovaries out in June.

After that, if I end up having to be on meds to combat the side effects of the cancer treatments, I'll just consider that collateral damage control. LOL!  I'm already on a six month Pamidronate infusion schedule to counteract early onset Osteoporosis which I think I'll be on for the next few years.

I guess if I was asked if I was post treatment I'd say "No, but I have finished bi-lat, chemo, & rads."

AnacortesGirl

I tell people that I'm out of active treatment and that I only have to take long term meds.  But as long as I have to continue to take meds and go see the onc I won't consider myself "post" treatment.

Outfield

If I don't know them well, I smile and say I'm done with "active treatment," or done with "radiation and chemo."  If it's someone I know moderately well who would actually be truly interested, I tell them I'm done with active treatment but have to take medications to lower my risk of recurrence longterm.  If they're curious and comfortable doing it, they ask more.  I'm also kind of the reverse - I had a terrible time with chemo, but have done well with the AI.  So it's an easier conversation for me than for you, I would guess.

What I tell other people isn't necessarily what I feel about it myself.  I will be in treatment the rest of my life.  I am going to keep doing every single thing I can do to reduce the risk of recurrence.  So I have to keep thinking about it.   

stephanie82510

I tell people nothing. Most have no idea I have ever dealt with this issue, am still dealing with it or anything I can still have to deal with in the future. I do admit to hot flashes and I help them laugh it off; no reason to tell anyone why I started menopause. Those friends and family that were around for the active treatment are so afraid of the disease, I hear nothing from them except, "How are you feeling," and I say fine.

The whole reason I need all of you.