My daughters question????

vchildbeloved

Hi, Valerie again, stage 3 colon cancer, 1 positive node. My surgeon told me that he got all the cancer, but that the chemo was to kill any cancer cells that may have escaped. My daughter's question to me today is, "Do I consider myself to HAVE HAD cancer, or do I consider my self to HAVE cancer. I said toher that I say that I had cancer and that they are doing preventative care at this time. I'm just curious to know if any of you have been asked that question and how would you have answered?

Thanks!!

jsabol

Hi Valerie,
My onc and I had this exact discussion; I was also stage III, 1 node, surgery, then 6 months chemo. While my surgeon said I "probably" had a "surgical cure", there is no way to know if other microscopic cells were still remaining, hence the chemo. My oncologist clearly counts from the end of chemo.
I considered myself a "survivor" from surgery on, assumed they "got it all", but hoped that the chemo was blasting anything they may not have gotten. By the way, please make sure your kids get scoped at the right age.
All the best, Judy

pamness

I was Stage IIIA also - 2 nodes positive. I considered myself a cancer patient until my CT after chemo and rads showed up NED. I am now almost 1 year ned.

Pam

vchildbeloved

jsabol said:

Hi Valerie,
My onc and I had this exact discussion; I was also stage III, 1 node, surgery, then 6 months chemo. While my surgeon said I "probably" had a "surgical cure", there is no way to know if other microscopic cells were still remaining, hence the chemo. My oncologist clearly counts from the end of chemo.
I considered myself a "survivor" from surgery on, assumed they "got it all", but hoped that the chemo was blasting anything they may not have gotten. By the way, please make sure your kids get scoped at the right age.
All the best, Judy

When was your diagnosis, and how are you doing now?

taraHK

This is an interesting question. Since my original diagnosis, I have had three recurrences -- all treated surgically and I have had "mop up" (preventative) chemo three times. But, I never say or think "I have cancer" if I don't have a known/visible tumour. Maybe it's just a "mind game" I play with myself -- but I say I have a history of cancer or I'm a cancer survivor or something similar.....So, I would have answered like you.....And, like Judy, I have considered myself a Survivor since the day I was diagnosed!
Tara

claud1951

Hi Valerie

I WAS stage III with 2 nodes. 6 months chemo then a colonoscopy (one year after dx'd). Surgery took the tumor and hopefully chemo got the rest.

I am now considered NED! (no evidence of disease)after chemo and the colonoscopy and continued blood test (every 4-6 months)

I asked myself the same question. I say I am a Cancer Survivor. I say I HAD cancer (now that I know NED). It's been 8 months since chemo.

I beleive in stayig positive!

Wishing you the best in your journey!
Hugs to you and your daughter.

Claudia

timlou

My daughter and myself have had breast cancer and from day of diagnosis we have said we are survivors. My husband had colon cancer with 13 positive lymph nodes. That was 4 years ago, after the news about Tony Snow I got my nerves on edge again Tim has a colonoscopy scheduled at the end of the month. Hopefully I will feel better after we get those results