How do you mark your (cancer dx) "anniversary"?
Comments
-
I was diagnosed 10/31/06. I began chemo 11/1/06 (I panicked and talked my oncologist into getting me hooked up those IVs NOW) lol
I had a single mastectomy in 1/07.
I finished chemo in 4/07.
I finished radiation in 7/07.
I know that the first two years are especially critical in terms of recurrence risk. Should I count from my diagnosis date/the beginning of treatment or the date I ended treatment as my "anniversary"? I am looking forward to making that 2-year mark (although I realize that a recurrence can happen at any time)..
-
Congrats!
I count my day of Diagnosis, even tho in my gut, I knew it was earlier.
My sister (twin) took me out for sushi to celebrate.
I was Dx in April of 07.
ILC, which is what I had, seems to crop up later ....but my onco thinks 2, 5 and 10 years are what we should focus on, unless I have odd symptoms.
Stay well!!!
-
kp-we have very close dates;
i was dx october 25, 2006
lumpectomy-november 7th, november 25th
chemo-finished chemo april 3rd 07
radiation-finished june 11th 07
i count from my dx date and celebrate after all my tests are clear.
-
I use my surgery date....6/16/06...the day they took out the cancer.
-
I use the day I was diagnosed. In my mind, it was the start of my journey.
Jennifer
-
technically you go by the day you were diagnosed. But in my opinion every day should be a celebration.
-
Its tough for me to forget the day I was dx-it was my mom's birthday.
-
I use the date of the biopsy that, a few days later, led to my hearing my diagnosis. I use that date because it was the beginning of my getting the cancer out of me and, well, also, because after that everything was a blur for about a year!
I usually celebrate by doing something physical like a 5K or just a fun, challenging workout....because now that I'm healthy again, I CAN
!
~Marin
-
I use my date of diagnosis, 9/22/04. I've never done anything special to "celebrate" it because it feels like a somber day to me, not a day of celebration. So I keep it low-key. But I understand why some see a cause for celebration so I certainly don't mean to rain on anyone's parade
-
I celebrated my 5th with a purchase of a beautiful black pearl bracelet. I was at the beach with my daughter, her friend and my dh.
My daugh brought me a pink rose. I dried it and still have it. I almost cried when I paid for the bracelet and will always remember why I gave myself permission to purchase it.
Strangely enough, when released from seeing my onc any more, the only people excited about it, except me, were all of YOU! thank you. I wanted to dance in the street and was so glad to have you all to celebrate with. Unfortuate that friends and family don't understand that.
-
I was diagnosed about a week before my 58th birthday, Jan 30th of last year and spent that birthday with pre-admission testing. I CELEBRATED this past 59th birthday at a family "happy hour" gathering and ordered a french martini.
But most importantly I spend time in prayer and reflection. Next year, I turn 60..will have to mark that occasion with something joyful.
Bernadette
-
I count from my biopsy date, since that is when it was taken OUT of me!! I had bi-lateral mast., but the path report came back N.E.D., so that means that my surgeon GOT IT ALL, when he did my biopsy!
My anniversary is 3/15...The Ides of March!! I just had my 1st annual check up with my surgeon, and he ordered some tests, and did my... ehem, colonoscopy, since bc puts us at higher risk for colon cancer, and I got all my test results today... all NORMAL... so, now I got my card from my surgeon's office when I checked out, and it says I don't have to go back to see him til... April 15th 2009!
Anyway, I was so happy, I just needed to share it with ya'll!
Dotti, I know, sometimes, it seems our loved ones just really don't get it... I thought my dh would be happier about my good news today, but ... not so much.Congratulations on your being released from your onc's care!!
Harley -
I don't. I just do not remember the dates of sad things. I don't remember the dates my parents died, I don't remember the dates of any of my 3 BC diagnoses. The only reason I remember the date of the last surgery is that it was Valentine's Day.
There is no real significance to any date - diagnosis, surgery, chemo - whatever, I see no reason to mark them.
-
I count my anniversary from the day I had my bilat.
Each year on the anniversary of this surgery I have bought myself a gold bracelet.....number 5 will be coming up in May.
I might as well spoil myself, no-one else will remember.
Isabella.
-
I was curious about my own "anniversary date too. I like to go by the dx date, that is the day you become a survivor.
I am new to this sight, looking for some much needed support lately. Post traumatic stress dissorder seems to be affecting me today.
I am 38, dx when I was 34, had been missed for 2 years( that is a whole other story) It was stage 3c, inoperable. Did chemo first, thsen radiation, then bilateral mastectomey, then 16 months of herceptin, and tamoxifen too. Lately I have been thinking about it a lot. Just looking for hugs I guess.
kathy
-
Hey, Kathy:
I'm approaching one year post dx, also Stage IIIc (chemo, surgery, rads and now Arimidex). I think about it every day. Anniversary dates of trauma seem to affect most of us. Let's keep plugging. Lots of hugs coming your way.
-
you too, not too many stage 3 c's out there, heck a few years ago they didn't even have that stage. I was stage 3 becasue it had spread up my collar bone and into nodes in my neck.
How old are you?
I am finding far too many you women that are having to dal with this. I believe we have an epidemic on our hands
-
Hi Kathy , welcome.
Yes, I think a lot of us have had PTSD, I know I have.
I think you will find that this site has answers to any questions you might have, some VERY knowledgable girls on board who are more than willing to help.
Join us in our more lighthearted threads, I know you don't feel lighthearted, but it will take your mind off the serious stuff for a while.
Good luck to you .
Isabella.
-
Hi Kathy, and Isabell...
I count from my bx... because the path report from my bilateral mast... found...No Evidence of Disease.... YEA!!!
So, I had to go out and celebrate today, since it has been OVER a year, since my bc dx!!! ! 3/15/07 AND my birthday is Monday!
OK... I went out with my dh & my MIL tonight for dinner.... and I had THREE glasses of wine... I am so ... sleepy!!
Hugs
Harley
-
Hi Kathy:
I'm Stage IIIc due to a large number of lymph node involvement after chemo, as in 21 positive nodes. However, scans after surgery revealed no mets. I just turned 67 and feel well. I hope to have more years to enjoy my SO, my children and grandchildren even through the stats for recurrence are high. I plan to celebrate each year on my anniv. date.
-
I dont really celebrate any of the days, but I do remember each and every one that turned my world upside down!!!!!!
I guess I would have to say Im counting from the day they took the "CRAP" out of me...my birthday, Nov, 15th 2006.....
-
Hey ladies...I am new to this site also...spending time thinking about how you move on from this....I am done with chemo and just had bi-lat with expanders on 3/25.....Looking forward to hitting my cancerversary date on 9/14!
-
jpann39,
That really stinks, that you had to have surgery, on your birthday!!
Hope we have MANY MANY Years, dancing with N.E.D.!
Harley
-
Shrink and isabell and Harley 44.
Thanks for the welcome and kind words.
My mood is much better this week, generally I am fine, I get lost in my own head every once and a while though.
Are there any threads you would recommend following or do you guys go into chat rooms?
I am actually going to be on tv tonight. A local station, I was interviewed along with some doctors regarding how I was misdiagnosed and what they are doing to prevent that form happening to ohters.. very nerve racking but exciting too
-
how the heck do you start your own conversation or thread?
-
Hi everyone!
Thanks, KP1970, for posting the question-- I'd wondered the same thing. I feel like the date that will mark my "anniversary" will be Aug. 20, '06-- the day of my re-excision at which time my surgeon removed the cancer and got clean margins! Chemo + rads were "precautionary" measures against any rogue C cells... although I won't complete my treatment until the end of my Herceptin in Nov. 2008, I feel like I want to celebrate the official end of tx-- I think I'll celebrate both dates!
Be well, everyone!
Mary Jo
Categories
- All Categories
- 679 Advocacy and Fund-Raising
- 289 Advocacy
- 68 I've Donated to Breastcancer.org in honor of....
- Test
- 322 Walks, Runs and Fundraising Events for Breastcancer.org
- 5.6K Community Connections
- 282 Middle Age 40-60(ish) Years Old With Breast Cancer
- 53 Australians and New Zealanders Affected by Breast Cancer
- 208 Black Women or Men With Breast Cancer
- 684 Canadians Affected by Breast Cancer
- 1.5K Caring for Someone with Breast cancer
- 455 Caring for Someone with Stage IV or Mets
- 260 High Risk of Recurrence or Second Breast Cancer
- 22 International, Non-English Speakers With Breast Cancer
- 16 Latinas/Hispanics With Breast Cancer
- 189 LGBTQA+ With Breast Cancer
- 152 May Their Memory Live On
- 85 Member Matchup & Virtual Support Meetups
- 375 Members by Location
- 291 Older Than 60 Years Old With Breast Cancer
- 177 Singles With Breast Cancer
- 869 Young With Breast Cancer
- 50.4K Connecting With Others Who Have a Similar Diagnosis
- 204 Breast Cancer with Another Diagnosis or Comorbidity
- 4K DCIS (Ductal Carcinoma In Situ)
- 79 DCIS plus HER2-positive Microinvasion
- 529 Genetic Testing
- 2.2K HER2+ (Positive) Breast Cancer
- 1.5K IBC (Inflammatory Breast Cancer)
- 3.4K IDC (Invasive Ductal Carcinoma)
- 1.5K ILC (Invasive Lobular Carcinoma)
- 999 Just Diagnosed With a Recurrence or Metastasis
- 652 LCIS (Lobular Carcinoma In Situ)
- 193 Less Common Types of Breast Cancer
- 252 Male Breast Cancer
- 86 Mixed Type Breast Cancer
- 3.1K Not Diagnosed With a Recurrence or Metastases but Concerned
- 189 Palliative Therapy/Hospice Care
- 488 Second or Third Breast Cancer
- 1.2K Stage I Breast Cancer
- 313 Stage II Breast Cancer
- 3.8K Stage III Breast Cancer
- 2.5K Triple-Negative Breast Cancer
- 13.1K Day-to-Day Matters
- 132 All things COVID-19 or coronavirus
- 87 BCO Free-Cycle: Give or Trade Items Related to Breast Cancer
- 5.9K Clinical Trials, Research News, Podcasts, and Study Results
- 86 Coping with Holidays, Special Days and Anniversaries
- 828 Employment, Insurance, and Other Financial Issues
- 101 Family and Family Planning Matters
- Family Issues for Those Who Have Breast Cancer
- 26 Furry friends
- 1.8K Humor and Games
- 1.6K Mental Health: Because Cancer Doesn't Just Affect Your Breasts
- 706 Recipe Swap for Healthy Living
- 704 Recommend Your Resources
- 171 Sex & Relationship Matters
- 9 The Political Corner
- 874 Working on Your Fitness
- 4.5K Moving On & Finding Inspiration After Breast Cancer
- 394 Bonded by Breast Cancer
- 3.1K Life After Breast Cancer
- 806 Prayers and Spiritual Support
- 285 Who or What Inspires You?
- 28.7K Not Diagnosed But Concerned
- 1K Benign Breast Conditions
- 2.3K High Risk for Breast Cancer
- 18K Not Diagnosed But Worried
- 7.4K Waiting for Test Results
- 603 Site News and Announcements
- 560 Comments, Suggestions, Feature Requests
- 39 Mod Announcements, Breastcancer.org News, Blog Entries, Podcasts
- 4 Survey, Interview and Participant Requests: Need your Help!
- 61.9K Tests, Treatments & Side Effects
- 586 Alternative Medicine
- 255 Bone Health and Bone Loss
- 11.4K Breast Reconstruction
- 7.9K Chemotherapy - Before, During, and After
- 2.7K Complementary and Holistic Medicine and Treatment
- 775 Diagnosed and Waiting for Test Results
- 7.8K Hormonal Therapy - Before, During, and After
- 50 Immunotherapy - Before, During, and After
- 7.4K Just Diagnosed
- 1.4K Living Without Reconstruction After a Mastectomy
- 5.2K Lymphedema
- 3.6K Managing Side Effects of Breast Cancer and Its Treatment
- 591 Pain
- 3.9K Radiation Therapy - Before, During, and After
- 8.4K Surgery - Before, During, and After
- 109 Welcome to Breastcancer.org
- 98 Acknowledging and honoring our Community
- 11 Info & Resources for New Patients & Members From the Team