Hi,
Terry (my tumour) was removed last month and I’m adapting well to life with Homer (my Stoma). I’ll be continuing with targeted therapy for another 18 months.
I was chatting to someone the other day who said “now you don’t have cancer anymore…” as part of a conversation, and it got me thinking:
What is my cancer “status”?
The tumour has gone, with good margins, and the targeted therapy I’ll continue taking is to reduce the risk of reoccurrence. So I’m a little unsure what I should tell people should I ever feel the need to) Am I someone with cancer, someone recovering from cancer, being treated for cancer etc…
I appreciate labels aren’t necessary all the time, but I was just wondering….
Hi Gurnboy,
I know exactly what you mean. I am post surgery. I had adjuvant chemo and radiotherapy and now currently on 12 week check ups.
My circumstances I would describe as recovering from cancer and dealing with the side effects from the treatment whilst monitoring to make sure any recurrence is found quickly.
Another way could be to describe it as being on your cancer journey and continuing to receive treatments to prevent recurrence.
Its hard when you think about it, but cancer is not like other illnesses I believe. It's not a clear straight line recovery. In my case I have chronic side effects but when I had my check up last week there was no evidence of any recurrence.
I think sometimes people are well meaning but don't really understand the journey unless they have had experience of it. Someone well meaning said to me today "you are brave and must be glad the cancer is gone now" - yet for me the treatments have caused far more issues.
Jane
Thanks Jane,
Recovering from cancer and learning to deal with the side effects is a perfect description of where I’m at 
I describe it as “Whack a mole “
Im watching out for that mallet ducking and diving
Have a good day 
Only I’m the mole !
Ann
