Being NED/in remission/cancer-free?

Youngwithbc

Hi all,

Not really sure where to post this... but I was wondering how many of you were declared "NED" or "in remission" or "cancer-free" or anything like that by your oncologists. From my understanding, most doctors won't really use those kinds of terms because you can never be "certain" the cancer is gone. People always ask me "so are you in remission now?" and I'm like, "Umm, I have no idea."

Did any of you early stagers hear any kind of label like that?

exbrnxgrl

NED carries no level of certainty with respect to cancer being gone. It simply means no evidence of disease that is detectable at the moment. My mo uses it and I am stage IV. It describes ones current situation but carries no promise for the future. I'm not sure what terms are used with early stage patients, nothing carries an iron clad guarantee.

Gully

Hi,

I am a stage I and declared NED, like exbrnxgrl said, it is "no evidence of disease" accurate only for the moment it is given. 

corky60

None of my current doctors have declared me cancer-free even though there was no sign of cancer at the lumpectomy.  The biopsy must have removed it.  I say current doctors because my former PCP was delighted with the results and didn't think I'd even need to take hormonal therapy.  But my current doctors keep emphasizing how important it is to take the hormonal and they do a good job of making me feel like I am doomed without it.  Although I am NED there is never any talk of NED from them. Never.

farmerlucy

My onco says nothing either. I personally say I had cancer. Might as well. I just spoke to a friend with melanoma - he says "I'm just livin life." Me too.

edwards750

I was taken to task by another poster because I said I wasn't cured. I don't believe any doctors would use that word because there is no cure for BC - only treatment and managing the disease. I am NED too but I don't take anything for granted even being Stage 2 and a very low Oncotype score. We do need to hold onto anything positive but we all need to be realistic too. We have to just live our lives and try not to dwell on what ails us however, I don't think there will be a time when I am not anxious before a mammogram or oncologist appointment. Thing is I was nervous before my DX so I am even more uptight now. Diane

Monis

I actually asked my MO this very question.  She told me I was considered "cancer free" now with no evidence of cancer anywhere, NED.  Let's hope it stays that way.