Do you have a favorite children’s book? One of my favorites is You are Special by Max Lucado. Every day, the Wemmicks travel through their town sticking stars or dots on each other — stars for the perfect Wemmicks and dots for those with flaws.
This part alone I thank you for sharing. “Cancer is not what anyone expects. It is more beautiful, more difficult and more bizarre than anyone could have ever imagined.”
I think “survivor” is so problematic on many levels. If it improves emotional wellbeing, then that is temporary for most as Mo Collins is experiencing. It doesn’t even make sense for the many patients like mysel that will never be deemed in “remission” or “cured”. I’m a curmudgeon so I can’t deal with “thriver”. I prefer oddball titles like “cancerfölken”.
I agree with you. As medical professionals, I think it comforts us to think of you as "thriving" given what we see you endure. I learned this from a patient who did not want to ring the bell after her last treatment. Her view was...yes, this part is over, but it is probably going to come back. We want the happy ending for you even if it's not real.
You nailed it on the head. Cancer has been an interesting adventure. Still haven't decided about my identity in remission. Survivor? Thriver? Cautiously optimistic person?
I love how you phrased that. It doesn't feel right to so many and yet it's what we (medical professionals) really, really want to call you. I think it is with the very earnest hope that it will be true. Thank you so much for your comment.
This part alone I thank you for sharing. “Cancer is not what anyone expects. It is more beautiful, more difficult and more bizarre than anyone could have ever imagined.”
I think “survivor” is so problematic on many levels. If it improves emotional wellbeing, then that is temporary for most as Mo Collins is experiencing. It doesn’t even make sense for the many patients like mysel that will never be deemed in “remission” or “cured”. I’m a curmudgeon so I can’t deal with “thriver”. I prefer oddball titles like “cancerfölken”.
Curmudgeon's are my favorite!
I agree with you. As medical professionals, I think it comforts us to think of you as "thriving" given what we see you endure. I learned this from a patient who did not want to ring the bell after her last treatment. Her view was...yes, this part is over, but it is probably going to come back. We want the happy ending for you even if it's not real.
NoPe. Not assuming the survivor label. I am living with metastatic breast cancer and doing well. I just prefer ‘living with’ if any at all.
Again, I love your insight. Thanks for the great read!
I’m not a warrior either - as I say no warrior t shirts were harmed in the making of this publication
Love that, Yvonne.
You nailed it on the head. Cancer has been an interesting adventure. Still haven't decided about my identity in remission. Survivor? Thriver? Cautiously optimistic person?
I love how you phrased that. It doesn't feel right to so many and yet it's what we (medical professionals) really, really want to call you. I think it is with the very earnest hope that it will be true. Thank you so much for your comment.