Survivorship

After my mastectomy my doctor told me that my chances of recurrence were about the same as being hit by a bus. I was dismissed from care. My personal physician felt I needed some follow-up but had no idea what I might need, so she ordered and MRI, which came back with a vague abnormality. Next was a visit to an oncologist who commented that the MRI should not have been done. She ordered a CT of my chest. Finally I was declared cancer free and dismissed again- with no plan for follow-up.

Fast forward 12 years. I found a lump above my left implant: round 2 of breast cancer. I had been hit by the bus.

When I was first diagnosed survivorship was not a thing. Now it is. We recognize a long list of risks and potentially long-term problems related to cancer and cancer treatment. The long-term problems can be physical or related to mental health and even cognition, and range from increased heart disease risks to osteoporosis to brain fog and loss of balance. A cancer diagnosis changes the survivor in other ways as well. It can change perspectives and relationships.

June 6 is Survivorship Day. Give a survivor a hug, a smile, a chance to talk about their journey. Celebrate them on June 6 and beyond.