What does survivorship mean to you?

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Njames (STAFF)
Njames (STAFF) Unconfirmed, Member, Administrator Posts: 14
in Weekly Discussions

There are many thoughts on what surviving means. Some believe surviving cancer means focusing on one's health and well-being. Some believe it can be enjoying life the best we can. There is no right answer. What do you believe?

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  • legaljen1969
    legaljen1969 Member Posts: 776

    To me, survival means being stronger than the thing that tried to take me out. Sometimes, that strength is physical, but often, it is mental and emotional.
    Survivorship is the responsibility to own what worked for me and what didn't work for me, to give those who come after me a hand to hold on their journey. It is the responsibility to share my story and to listen to the stories of those who came before and those who are just starting their journeys. It is the responsibility to say there IS a future out there. It is being there to share with other survivors and to say that those just beginning have a possibility to be a survivor. Sometimes even "survivors" succumb to their illness, but they do "survive" the chemotherapy, the radiation, the surgeries, the worry and concern.
    Some of us have very complicated stories of our cancer journey. Some have very "fortunate" stories- such as mine. Early detection. Fairly minimally invasive treatment, "best case scenario." Being a survivor is telling the story and showing that every story is an important story. Being a survivor is acknowledging that even if you didn't fight "the war", you survived YOUR battle.

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