The Cancer Survivors Network (CSN) is a peer support community for cancer patients, survivors, caregivers, families, and friends! CSN is a safe place to connect with others who share your interests and experiences.

When are you considered a survivor?

AnneO1965
AnneO1965 CSN Member Posts: 182 Member
in Colorectal Cancer #1

I go for my first scan since surgery tomorrow, and I've been thinking a lot about this lately. I shy away from the term "survivor" because I don't feel I've met that goal yet.

 

I'm interested in know what all of YOU think the term survivor means.

 

Anne

Like Care

Comments

  • SandiaBuddy
    SandiaBuddy CSN Member Posts: 1,381 Member
    #2
    Survivor

    I don't use that term either, but it strikes me that as long as you are alive, you are a survivor, not matter what your disease status.  Best of luck on your scan.  We all know the depth of scanxiety.

    Like Care
  • danker
    danker CSN Member Posts: 1,276 Member
    #3
    Survivor

    I believe I am a survivor.  Ten years ago I was diagnosed stage 2 boardoring on stage 3.  After resection and reattachment I became NED.  Here I am at age 87 still NED.  How can I call myself anything but a survivor???

    Like Care
  • suzycruise76
    suzycruise76 CSN Member Posts: 163 Member
    #4
    danker said:

    Survivor

    I believe I am a survivor.  Ten years ago I was diagnosed stage 2 boardoring on stage 3.  After resection and reattachment I became NED.  Here I am at age 87 still NED.  How can I call myself anything but a survivor???

    Survivor

    Danker,you sure are a survivor!Laughing

    Suzy

    Like Care
  • NewHere
    NewHere CSN Member Posts: 1,433 Member
    #5
    I Am Not Using That Term

    Sandia's descriotion sounds to be a good one though. I kind of thought about the term earlier on, but it never seemed to work for me because I pretty much have never been NED for the most part (things were there, but were just too small and I may have another cancer which was there also) 

    At this point  I just look at general stats - mainly because I am pushing 5 years.  Though there are wrinkle in stats and take them with a grain of salt, 14% make it 5 years at Stage IV (which I am, inoperable throughout everywhere)  It was under 10% when I was first diagnosed.  My 5 year anniversary of my first surgery will be Feb 2020.  

    Like Care
  • Kazenmax
    Kazenmax CSN Member Posts: 463 Member
    #6
    I gotta say that I have

    I gotta say that I have survived a lot of things....  cancer is just the current thing, lol

    as long as I’m alive, I’m surviving!

    xxxooo

    k

    Like Care
  • PamRav
    PamRav CSN Member Posts: 348 Member
    #7
    I say

    cancer thriver.   

    Like Care
  • SandiaBuddy
    SandiaBuddy CSN Member Posts: 1,381 Member
    #8
    Kazenmax said:

    I gotta say that I have

    I gotta say that I have survived a lot of things....  cancer is just the current thing, lol

    as long as I’m alive, I’m surviving!

    xxxooo

    k

    I will survive

    Is it time for Gloria Gaynor yet?  Link Smile

    Like Care
  • suzycruise76
    suzycruise76 CSN Member Posts: 163 Member
    #9
    SandiaBuddy said:

    I will survive

    Is it time for Gloria Gaynor yet?  Link Smile

    Sandia,

    thank you for reminding me of this song. I used to listen to it and cry-long before I got cancer. And now I know again that I will survive!

    Smile

    Like Care
  • Joan M
    Joan M CSN Member Posts: 409 Member
    #10
    "Anyone diagnosed with cancer who is still alive"

    That's how I define survivor for cancer survivors.  I was diagnosed 3 years and 8 months ago.  I am not NED, but was close a couple years ago. 

    My first oncologist said I had "6 to 18 months" and suggested I make funeral plans.  Although we all should have some type of funeral plans whether we have cancer, or not, I still haven't made any solid plans.  It feels like giving in if I do - and I know that sounds pretty silly to  some people that anyone with cancer wouldn't have made plans for their own funeral.  and some think anyone over 50 should have funeral plans.  I've talked about what I want, just need to write it down.

    Been busy living life and hope to survive "many years", as  Dr. Axle Grothey predicted for me when I saw him for a second opinion at Mayo Clinic.

    After reading Sandia's post I have the "I will survive" song stuck in my head!

     

    Like Care
  • Annabelle41415
    Annabelle41415 CSN Member Posts: 6,744 Member
    #11
    Survivor

    The word "survivor" is relative.  You are here posting, so therefore you are a survivor.  Wishing you the best on your scan tomorrow.  You are in my prayers.

    Kim

    Like Care
  • SandiaBuddy
    SandiaBuddy CSN Member Posts: 1,381 Member
    #12
    suzycruise76 said:

    Sandia,

    thank you for reminding me of this song. I used to listen to it and cry-long before I got cancer. And now I know again that I will survive!

    Smile

    You are welcome

    Laughing

    Like Care
  • Trubrit
    Trubrit CSN Member Posts: 5,808 Member
    #13
    How did your MRI go, AnneO

    I had you on my calendar for the 25th.   

    Tru

    Like Care
  • AnneO1965
    AnneO1965 CSN Member Posts: 182 Member
    #14
    They actually switched it to

    They actually switched it to just a CT scan of chest, abdomen and pelvis. And it went pretty easy.  I'll get the results this Friday when I see the oncologist. Thanks for asking Tru!

    Like Care
  • Annabelle41415
    Annabelle41415 CSN Member Posts: 6,744 Member
    #15
    AnneO1965 said:

    They actually switched it to

    They actually switched it to just a CT scan of chest, abdomen and pelvis. And it went pretty easy.  I'll get the results this Friday when I see the oncologist. Thanks for asking Tru!

    Scan

    Praying that all is well with the scan.  Thanks for the update.

    Kim

    Like Care
  • Jeff's mom
    Jeff's mom CSN Member Posts: 20
    #16
    survivor

    I have stage IV colon ccancer with mets to the bone and the stomach.  My prognosis was really dismal.  My doctor started me on Keytruda and I have been on it for 2 1/2 years and I feel wonderful!  I know it won't last forever, but nothing ever does.  I am a survivor for as long as I live!

     

    Like Care
  • Annabelle41415
    Annabelle41415 CSN Member Posts: 6,744 Member
    #17
    Jeff's mom said:

    survivor

    I have stage IV colon ccancer with mets to the bone and the stomach.  My prognosis was really dismal.  My doctor started me on Keytruda and I have been on it for 2 1/2 years and I feel wonderful!  I know it won't last forever, but nothing ever does.  I am a survivor for as long as I live!

     

    Survivor

    I'm so glad that you are telling your story after 2 1/2 years going through all that you have.  It sounds like that protocol that you are on is working for you, so that is awesome.  You are a survivor and a positive outlook which goes a long way.  Wishing you the best.

    Kim

    Like Care

Discussion Boards