This isn't going to be as depressing as it sounds, I promise. I'm just sharing my honest, realistic and personal opinion on this particular topic. That's what you come here for, right? So what's my problem with the "survivor" label? I'm not sure that I have a general problem with it, it's more of a personal choice to NOT have it used in my situation. Here are a few reasons why.

• I have a fear of jinxes so just don't call me a survivor. It's a thing...I know, it's probably not rational but work with me here.
• The word tends to make people think that you won some battle. That the worst is over and behind you. Sadly, once you are diagnosed with cancer it  becomes a part of your life forever. It's not as if I end chemo, wrap up radiation in a few months, have a scan and live happily ever after. Even if there is no evidence of disease at that time, I have treatment that will continue through next summer and medication to take for the next 5 years. There will be follow up appointments and scans which will put me on edge and in a stressful waiting period to find out if I'm still "clean".  I have more surgeries to look forward to. The treatments themselves can cause secondary cancers down the road, and my risk increases simply because I'm "younger". I know that may sound all doom and gloom but I'm still smiling and dancing because I'm in control of the things I can control, I'm educated about the things that I can't and I have no intention to become negative at any point. I know what the risks are and knowing is half the battle. You can call me a fighter, warrior...whatever...because I will fight for my own health and to help and educate others so they, too, can fight. Just don't use the S word.
• I worry that the use of the term survivor can cause pain for those who have lost loved ones. It makes it seem as if the message is that a survivor had a stronger will, fought harder, blah blah blah.  There are plenty of people who "lost their battle" with cancer (I hate that phrase, too, by the way) who fought hard, had positive attitudes and did everything they could to fight this ugly, ugly disease. It's not a contest, people. I know "survivor stories" make people feel better but are we focusing on the details? Some types of cancer of more survivable. I had the option to tell my doctor to remove the affected body part - not everyone has that option. That makes the playing field quite uneven. Some cancers can hide and not cause symptoms until they are quite advanced. There were no lumps to be found, there was no pain, there was not screening test. Do you see where I'm going?? As you know, I'm all about the positive - if you've read any of my previous posts, that should be pretty evident, but think about the big picture. Do survivor stories feel good to everyone? I don't think so. Warrior stories are just as important - warrior stories are about the fight itself, not the perceived winning or losing. If you have been touched by this disease personally or if a loved one has been diagnosed, that fact that you're fighting is admirable and a badge of honor. Cancer is scary, treatment can be even scarier. If your cancer doesn't respond to treatment or if you were clear and have a recurrence, you are still badass!!! You are not weak, you are not a lesser person, you are probably tougher than most and I will call you warrior! If you have a loved one battling this disease or have lost a loved one, you have my love and respect. Caregivers, spouses, and all family members are affected. This journey is not an easy one and in some cases, for you, survivor stories might be a downer. You might ask "Why them" and not my loved one. I can tell you, as a patient, I ask those same questions. I ask why chemo is easier for some and so horrible for others. I could go on forever here but know that everyone who goes down this road will be changed by it and everyone is a warrior and a fighter and deserves to be acknowledged and praised...not just "survivors".
• Finally, the term survivor is really kind of ridiculous because none of us are going to survive. I'm not trying to be Debbie Downer but seriously...I'm being treated for breast cancer but I could get squished by a semi on my way to treatment. Even if I never have cancer show up anywhere else in my body, ultimately, I ain't getting out of this alive. Technically, anyone who makes it from one day to the next, cancer or not, could be called a survivor. "I survived Tuesday!!"
• In summary, I guess my message here is that I don't like the term survivor because it makes it sound like cancer is win/lose. It's not. There's so much in between. If you're ok with the term, use it, I just have a different perspective now since I've had a cancer diagnosis, my body chopped up, clean baseline scans, a long treatment plan, toxic chemicals, annoying side effects (and on and on). We are, each and every one, fighters and are equally as spectacular! There is honor in the fight, my friends.

Love to all but extra love to my cancer patient warrior friends, those who have fought, those who are fighting and the family members and friends who stay in the trenches. YOU ARE ALL AWESOME!!!
Andee