When Do You Start Counting?

Kimm992

I'm sure this has been discussed many times but I can't seem to find it anywhere.

I plan to ask my MO the next time I see him...but was wondering when the official countdown starts for the 5 years. My MO said after 5 years, it will be very unlikely for my cancer to return.

Do you start at diagnosis? Surgery date? End of radiation?

Wondering what everyone's been told?

OCDAmy

I was told 5 years after the cancer was removed but I had chemo after surgery so it may be different for those who had chemo first.

LaughingGull

My MO says the countdown starts when you have surgery and the cancer is removed. You are getting close!

WC3

It was from the time of surgery I think but I think neoadjuvant chemotherapy has thrown a wrench in that. It was a little over 6 months between my first infusion and surgery so I have milestones for both starting point in my phone calender.

MinusTwo

I counted my first cancer from the time of surgery. I counted the recurrence from when I finished all treatment.

Kimm992

Thanks for the reply...only about one year until I’m 5 years out from surgery! It’s hard to believe that this year will be 5 years from diagnosis...

Sunshine99

I counted from the day I got "the call". Now I'm back - 12 years later. Guess I'll start counting from the date of my latest VideoVisit with my PCP.