Yeah, people mean well, but I sometimes “correct” them if someone calls me a survivor, afterall, there is no cure for cancer, we just cut it out for the present time and hope for the best with the treatments. They are a little taken aback but I don’t worry about it.

I hate the word survivor and will not use it. I also hate “be a warrior “ and similar phrases. I feel the exact same as you do Cindy. I was diagnosed last January and have recently completed treatment. I don’t think about the chance of it coming back, nor do I want people to think I’m “cured”. Once you have it, it can always be with you and sneak up. I don’t dwell on any of this and am getting back to normal.

I agree with you on being an advocate on early testing and also informing others that there are many options out there - on treatments and reconstruction and the risks with all. There needs to be more education by doctors to patients. They don’t tell you a lot or give you all the choices. I learned the most from this site.

I have a hard time with that label as well. An Overcomer seems to better describe my feelings.

When should one of us be considered a "survivor"? After surgery? After treatment? After a year when your mammogram is clean? After five years? After 10 years of estrogen blocker? I have made it through a crazy year. Yes, I guess I survived it. Wish there were another term.

Survivor? I think of myself as blessed I no longer have cancer and have faith that I continue to stay cancer free