Appreciative but feeling a little stabby at the same time

In honor of "Pink Out Monday," I posted this on my Facebook.

"Some of you know this, but many don't, as I've tried to keep it private. But this is too important not to say. It's been over a year since my breast cancer diagnosis. My treatment went well; there is no evidence of cancer in my body. Many might think I'm cured. That, unfortunately is not the case. I am still at risk for what is called a metastatic recurrence. That means that there is still a risk that some cancer cells slipped past the treatment and will form tumors in other parts of my body, such as the bones, liver, lungs or brain. Anyone who has had Stage 1-3 cancer is at risk. In fact, 20-30% of all people diagnosed with early stage cancer will go on to have a metastatic recurrence. Metastatic breast cancer is the type of breast cancer that kills. Only around 30% of those diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer will still be alive in five years. Metastatic recurrences happen to those who have yearly mammograms, who got their lump checked out as soon as they found it, who had double mastectomies, who did the most aggressive chemotherapy and radiation treatments possible, who took their hormone therapy faithfully. It is not one's fault if they metastasize, it is truly random. This is not talked about enough during October and at Komen events. We need research, not pink recycling bins and giant bra sculptures. So, on what the metastatic breast cancer community has deemed "Pink Out Monday": if you want to donate to defeat breast cancer, please consider donating to research organizations like The Breast Cancer Research Foundation, Metavivor, The Dana Farber Cancer Institute or The Lynn Sage Caner Research Foundation. ‪#‎metsmonday‬ ‪#‎bckills‬ ‪#‎dontignorestageiv‬"

I got a lot of supportive comments and messages, which I am so appreciative of. But some either missed the point or only got half the point.

"Glad to hear you beat it. Hope ur not in that 20-30%! I will keep u in my prayers, stay strong xxx"

and

"Thanks for posting this and explaining which organizations are doing the best research. Love you and I'm proud to hear you're still fighting for awareness even after you've won your own battle. You're an amazing lady!"

THE POINT WAS that I don't know if I've "beat it" or "won the battle." Maybe I have. Maybe the treatment zapped every single cell. Maybe I still have cells lurking but they will stay dormant and never cause me further problems. But maybe the sleeping cells will wake up someday and form tumors. Or maybe I already have active mets but they are just not at the point of causing any symptoms. I just don't know and while my chances get better as time goes on, I'll never truly know.

I thought my message was as clear as could be but I guess the uncertainty of breast cancer is too much for some people to wrap their heads around.