What to say after you have finished treatment?

Fitbit

Is it okay to say you are "Cancer Free" after completing your treatment? Finished chemo about 4 months ago and recent blood tests are all normal. I want to celebrate, but also feel cautious. After all we go through with surgery, treatment, chemo, etc - I do feel we should definitely celebrate surviving and having made it through. I've heard saying 'remission' is not a good term (?) because it implies the cancer will come back, etc. Thanks for your thoughts. I'm just not sure how to phrase this new phase I'm now in after completing treatment. My husband has announced to our friends that I am cancer free, though I have never said that, because I feel that is a huge statement and a bit scary to say, actually ... I have always just said I finished my treatment and I'm doing well. 

Meow13

I like cancer free, it was my husband that announced to people I was in remission.

Sounds like you are cancer free.

clarrn

I have thought about it a lot too!  I think I will say that I have no evidence of cancer!  Can't wait

proudtospin

I am now 6 plus years from the start of this dang thing, I say I am a survivor, but confess to nerves at all doc appts...even the ones not with my onco, trying to live my life to the fullest and do not suffer fools lightly anymore

Hopeful82014

Fitbit - congratulations on making it through treatment and emerging on the other side. I think you're entitled to say whatever suits you, at this point. 

I'm just starting through the process of treatment but when I am through and all the tests are coming back negative I will tell those who asked that yes, I had cancer but am fine now. I've never liked the term 'survivor' for some reason (maybe associations with the TV show?) and I think the term that's considered most up to date is NED (for no evidence of disease, of course) but it's your body, your life, your choice. I sort of like 'cancer free,' too. 

Best wishes.

Morwenna

I tend to say that I have finished treatment, and that I am well.

Fitbit

That is what I have said too. I like that. Thanks for your input! 

Fitbit

I like the no evidence of cancer, also ... thanks for sharing your thoughts on this!

2Tabbies

I don't know what to say. I can't really say I'm cancer free, or there's no evidence of cancer because nobody's looking. No scans. No blood tests or at least not for breast cancer. The oncos tell me they don't do any good so we just wait for "symptoms" to show up. Or not. I'm not technically cancer free anyway because I have an incurable form of non-Hodgkins lymphoma. It's kind of a chronic thing at the moment, and I do get blood tests for that. But I will never be cancer free unless they find a cure for that. I guess we should each say, whatever feels right to to us. I tend to just say I'm ok.