From the article: When Can I Say I Am a Breast Cancer Survivor?
When did you first say "I am a breast cancer survivor?" Did your doctor, friends, or family influence when you started saying you were a breast cancer survivor? Is it: at diagnosis, after surgery, at the end of treatment, when you pass your 5-year checkup, or whenever you say you are a survivor? Weigh in on when you can say you are a breast cancer survivor. Give Your Opinion
At the end of treatment
- I couldn't use the term until I finished my treatment and returned for my first set of followup tests. When they all were okay, then I could say "I'm a Survivor!"
- —Guest Connie
22-year breast cancer survivor
- I was diagnosed with breast cancer (BC) in December, 1986, when I was 42 years old and single. I had a ten-year waiting period to be cleared. However, one is never truly free of the thought that it might recur. I believe and am grateful that I am a true survivor. One did not hear much about BC back then. In fact, one did not even mention the word "breast" in public. I am so glad that things have changed. As a single woman living in New York City, it was challenging to retain self-esteem and a positive attitude because so much emphasis was placed on outward appearances. Nevertheless, I managed to make my way because I had a strong, loving family support group. I urge everyone I meet to do BSE and get checked periodically. My mother, 87, just had breast cancer surgery and is recovering nicely. Thus, it is never too late to have a mammogram. I just want to say: be ever-diligent and not afraid because there is so much available out there now to help people.
- —Guest Maria H.G.
Gift of Clear Margins
- Personally for me it was the day the Dr told me I had clear margins!!!!!!
- —Guest Melissa
Diagnosis Day
- The day you are diagnosed with Cancer is the Day you Become a Survivor.
- —Guest Debbie Stallings
You Are A Survivor Now
- There is no WHEN. If you have had breast cancer and you are still alive, you are a SURVIVOR!
- —Guest Patti
At Diagnosis
- You are a "survivor" from the moment you learn you have cancer.
- —Guest Sandi Johnson
It's a Personal Thing
- I wasn't comfortable w/the term "survivor"...sounded/felt like "victim" to me. Somewhere along the way tho it started sounding appropriate to me. I don't think there's a milestone date when the word applies...it seems a personal thing to me.
- —Guest Gretchen
