Is there life without cancer for a survivor?
I was asked what life was like without cancer now.
*blink*
Life without breast cancer? Why... there's no such thing.
Let's talk about remission and NED
After you complete your "active treatment" of cancer, you are expected to be in remission. But, remission does not equal "cured".
Remission means that you no longer have evidence of detectable cancer. Many survivors will say that they are in "NED" which means that they have "no evidence of disease".
Being in NED is awesome. Just like being in remission is awesome. But neither state is free from cancer. It may seem petty to make such small differentiations, but the truth is that, while slight, the differences are pretty major.
Let's start with the basics.
There is no cure for breast cancer.
Got that part? Okay. No cure.Breast cancer survivors strive to reach a 5 year milestone. Some of us (like myself) will not claim "remission" until we have reached our 5th anniversary after the conclusion of our treatment of breast cancer. The chance for recurrence drops dramatically after 5 years.
When you complete treatment, you are told that there is no evidence of any more cancer in your body. However, cancer only needs one cell to start another tumor. The machines and tests that we use today cannot ensure that there is not ONE cancer cell in your body. While your medical team does all that they can to remove all of the cancer (that's what the surgeries and chemotherapy and radiation is for)... it is possible for a few cells to remain and to be unnoticed by the available tests today. It has been shown that once a patient passes 5 years with no recurrence, the likelihood of recurrence drops.
Every cancer is different for each patient. How your team determines your recurrence possibility depends on your age, your type of cancer and other factors.
So what does this really mean?
Knowing that all it takes is one cell to start the chain reaction again, and knowing that our current level of technology can not assure us that we don't have one cell left... means that you're left in a sort of "unknowing" position. There is always a chance that your cancer can return.
We all have heard about the patient who was recovering fine, going on about her life and then bam! her breast cancer was back. Typically when the cancer returns (if it returns), it is likely to be more aggressive than the first cancer and it may not be curable.
All of this means that there is never life without cancer for a survivor.
The disease may not be evidenced in our bodies but the effects and memories are always with us. Each survivor handles this information differently. Many of us learn to compartmentalize this uncertainty and go on with our lives. I think that is a good way of dealing with the uncertainty of it all. We know that it is possible for the cancer to return, yet remaining hostage in one place isn't an effective way to live your life.
You have to learn to live with the unknown and still find joy in each day.
If you're a survivor dealing with the aftermath of this life-altering experience, you may need to map out a plan that helps you to deal with your emotions and concerns regarding recurrence.
Some tools that may help you cope with being in remission:
- Support groups -- We all need someone to talk to, someone who understands the enormity of what we've been through preferably. Finding a support group is one good way to release some of your anxiety and concerns about recurrence.
- A follow up plan with your medical team -- It is important that you and your oncologist have a plan for your on-going health care. Regular tests and screenings are important. They also help to ease your fears about your disease.
- Journaling -- Writing down your thoughts and feelings can be very cathartic and soothing. If writing isn't your thing, perhaps the record feature on your phone can be helpful.
- Message boards and online groups/sites --There are message boards on many sites dedicated to breast cancer. There are also a few sites that are communities of breast cancer survivors. Good sites will be members only and require registration before you can participate. But all of these online communities serve as virtual support groups where survivors can gather and share their experiences and concerns in safe and private environments. I highly recommend finding a virtual community to plug into.
...and the moral of the story is...
In the end, as long as there isn't a cure for breast cancer, there will not be life without cancer for survivors. However, that doesn't mean that the quality of your life after your active treatment ends has to be poor. Having a good life is still possible.
Stay tuned... I have some upcoming products that will help the transition into new normal.
