Hi,

What an interesting question.

I'm not a medic, but you sound like a survivor to me! 

There are probably some strict medical definitions about what it means to be a survivor involving being cancer-free for over 5 years post diagnosis, but in my personal opinion anyone who is living with cancer, or has had cancer and is cancer free, and is getting on with their lives is a cancer survivor. Only a smug pedant would disagree IMHO.

I will never be cured of cancer as my primary is inoperable, and I have mets, so technically I can never be a cancer survivor. However, I have outlived the prognosis I was given, I'm symptom free and currently I am physically fitter than at any time in the past 10 years.

A cancer victim is the one thing that neither of us is. If not a survivor, what label would be appropriate? Living despite cancer might work lol

I look forward to reading what other people in a similar position think!

Cheers
Dave

ps check out en.wikipedia.org/.../Cancer_survivor

I have to say that this is such a lovely chatroom where you see warm, comforting replies from people when you really need it most.  Thanks Davek.  That was an interesting article too which certainly makes me feel better.  Here's hoping we both "survive" for many more years!

I'm 54 and was diagnosed with Stage 4 colon cancer metastisised in my lungs, ergo "incurable." I'm also a retired USAF veteran and now fulltime high school teacher of computer science. During the past six months, I spent more than 40 days in hospital following my emergency right hemicolectomy to remove a 5cm caecal carcenoma and subsequent bowel join leak that caused two separate episodes of abdominal abscess and peritonitis. I'm now on biweekly chemotherapy cycles and two antibiotics long-term because I choose to be a survivor not a victim. I stay postitive for myself, my family, and friends because I choose to be a survivor not a victim. I plan to resume fulltime teaching after Easter because I choose to be a survivor not a victim. I plan to resume leading my Scout troop because I choose to be a survivor not a victim. I take daily walks and exercise (as much as my lungs will allow) because I choose to be a survivor not a victim. I view my cancer as another challenge in my life NOT a reason to fall apart because I choose to be a survivor not a victim.

Having cancer, incurable or not, doesn't define who's a survivor and who's not.

Qaulity of life is mostly a consequence of our attitude and choices; we make choices about how we view and live each day, each hour, each minute, and each second. Then, we enjoy or suffer the consequences of our choices.

Survivors make conscious choices about living well, victims refuse to make positive life choices or blame others.

Choose to be a survivor NOT a victim.

Hi Maconnal,

I couldn't have put it better myself :-)
 

Cheers
Dave

Hi Mconnal

After Dave I'll second that. I recently replied to a post by EC who having a prognosis of just 2 months left, chooses to plan her end. Her choice, but no one knows the day you'll end. She had plans to own a motorbike and learn to ride it but has given up. You can pass your test in one week on an intensive course, I said even if you only rode for a couple of days what a buzz that would be.

It would seem that people who have had challenging lives, either through adversity, poverty, trauma or a tough job seem to be more able to cope with a diagnosis of cancer. Making plans for the future, living life in the now to the best of your ability are all part of making the best of what you've got. You definitely have the formula and I wish you continued success. Kim

Hello all,

Thanks for all the positive contributions, being told I had metatasis after 15years from initial diagnosis has been a shock but the death of my closest friend at the same time makes you realise no one knows what tomorrow may bring. She was killed in a car accident. So I don't want to be given a time of life expectancy as it seems a very unpredictable  science anyway! I intend to spend every sunny day sitting in the garden, that's when I have done all the work and it looks lovely! The day I ordered my seeds for the summer made me feel very optimistic . Does anyone else get annoyed with anyone who hasn't had cancer telling you ( you have to stay positive) arrrgh x Eileen 

Hi Eileen.  Yep that is just one of many annoying comments!  It's definitely a shock second time around - just get used to the initial diagnosis and off you go again!

It's wonderful to see such great comments on this thread - all maturely thought through having gathered informative data along the way and giving consideration to personal family members/friends and other forum members on the site.

I'm not sure if I see myself as a survivor - just someone living with an illness and enjoying life as much as is feasibly possible.  I would do that if I had cancer or not.  I have always loved my friends, family, social life and work and been amazed at the beauty in this world.  I enjoy helping others and think you reap what you sow.  I just love a good laugh.  

I have read some very sad things here on the forum today which I respect but find difficult to digest and understand - I can see another postee here feels the same and send him my best regards. X

Kim - I'd never thought of it that way, but you may have a point in that having had a challenging life prior to receiving an "incurable and inoperable" diagnosis may give us the psychological tools and resilience which help us survive. A dash of good luck always helps too - especially when there are so many random factors at play. 

Eileen - one of the first things I did after my initial diagnosis in late 2013 was to plant some spring bulbs. To be perfectly honest, I didn't think I'd see them in flower but I've just seen my third lot of daffodils and narcissus come up and the tulips aren't far behind. Hope spings eternal in the human breast and all that.

Cheers
Dave

Hello Max and Dave

Thanks for your comments, it's a lovely sunny day here on the south coast .

Amazing what a difference it makes, after all the grey and wet days we have had.

If all continues well I can apply to get my driving licence back at the end of June. One year after my brain op.,fingers crossed . Whether  any one will want to get in the car with me is another matter.! I went to see the physio today , 8 months after the op to see if they can help me improve my balance, I am still quite wobbly but get around with a stick, at least I am on my feet. Best wishes to you and happy gardening. 

Eileen xx 

Hi loves to sing  definitely doesn't rob you of being a survivor last year I was diagnosed with secondary liver cancer that's originally started in my bowel and  metastasised to the liver if I can remember correctly it was a stage 3 cancer after quite a few a bit of chemo I luckily has no cancer within my bowel and my oncologist told me we just need to focus on my liver now. I had a slow growing cancer I heard it can be related with age the slower cancer goes because I'm in my 70s. I did have to switch chemotherapy in October as it stopped working and I went down hill for a while as the side effects of the new drug felt like it was killing me. Though had family support and grandchildren were amazing from day one. Had great progress after October and luckily in the middle January I got news I was in remission which came as a shock and I remember screaming in the carpark with happiness. It can feel like your getting no where sometimes but patience and strength got me through and support. -Diane x