What date is my anniversary?

CherylinOhio

So I can't decide on whether my anniversary will be day of dx, surgery date or date after last treatment. I think I am leanign towards date after my last rad treatment. Seems best to go with the date when my body was basically on its own, protecting itself. Any thoughts???

BettyeE

I have wondered about this also. Someone respond!

GabbyCal

I think this is unique to everyone. For me, the day I got the call-back there was something suspicious on my annual screening mammogram stands out. It was a beautiful day and I was feeling unusually happy and healthy, then BAM! My whole world changed. 

Some people don't recognize any day. For me personally, I think it's healthy to pick a date to remember and hopefully recognize if on many, many, many anniversaries. 

Many happy returns of whichever date you choose to you! 

clariceak

From a medical standpoint, I believe you are correct.  I would really love it to from my dx date.  If that was true I would be past the important 2 year hurdle.  Hang in there. From another Stage IIICer.

KerryMac

"Survival" stastics are taken from date of diagnosis, eg 5 year survival stats are from date of Dx. I think Onc's use end of treatment when thinking about prognosis.

Personally, I use my date of Dx as that is the most emotionally difficult day. Others I know use date of Surgery (becoming cancer-free) or end of treatment. I don't think it really matters, just use a day that is most significant for you.

myrtle1

scc218

I, too, had the same question and posted it awhile back on another thread.  The general concensus was the date of DX, which I was leaning towards anyway because that was 10 months ago.  If I wait until the end of treatment/rads, that hasn't happened yet (but will happen on 12/20).  Myself, I prefer to go back 10 months and start counting/celebrating from that date.  So pretty soon I'll be able to say I'm one year out......and I really like the sound of that.  From another IIIC-er......

mrsnjband

With DH's cancer they went by the date they knew the cancer had returned.  So I either go by date of first symptom or date of dx. Which puts me at 4 years! Yeah!!! NJ