Survivorship
I don't have a particular date that I can call my 'cancerversary.' I know that about a year ago I was pretty sure I had cancer and had started taking steps to find out. March 10th was the day I was assessed by a caring and compassionate oncologist who, though she could not definitively confirm that I had cancer, told me that it was very likely. It was not until around March 25 that I finally heard the words, but hearing the words really just confirmed what I already knew. So now, with the 'big three' cancer treatments done (chemo, surgery, radiation) and some preventative immunotherapy and hormone therapy underway I am trying to figure out how to define myself. I am no longer calling myself a 'cancer patient' although I still hang out in the chemo suite from time to time. Maintaining this connection to the Cancer Centre makes it difficult to NOT feel like a cancer patient and also offers an ongoing connection to my caregivers so that I don't feel abandon...