MDA: After Diagnosis, You’re on to Survivorship

Cancer survivorship is a journey that begins with diagnosis.

By: Dawn Dorsey | Source: The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center | June 14, 2006

When you are diagnosed with cancer, you embark on a journey with millions of fellow travelers. Although each person's story is different, you share many of the same changes and challenges.

This trip—which, of course, you'd rather not take—includes three stages. Here is a description of each one:

Living With Cancer (Including Diagnosis and Treatment)

The first part of the journey begins the day you find out you have cancer, and it takes you through treatment.

Breast cancer survivor Mary Issa Zwald, a Houston native in her 60s who was diagnosed in 1999, says outlook and attitude helped carry her through.

"I accepted the treatment, took care of myself, and kept my sense of humor through the whole ordeal," said Zwald, an Arab-American of Lebanese descent, who lives in Houston. "Everything in life happens for a reason, even cancer, and I’m a stronger person from it."

Living Through Cancer (The Journey)

Immediately after treatment, the fear of cancer returning is often high. You may feel relieved treatment is over, but you may be nervous, because you won't see your cancer doctor on a regular basis. 

And you may experience long-term side effects of treatment as Pamela Avery, 43, of Houston, a nasal/pharyngeal cancer survivor, did. She continues to have speech and hearing problems three years after diagnosis. Avery, who works as an optician, said: "I try to lead a normal life—whatever that is! I know that if I keep trying, it will get better."

Living Beyond Cancer (A New Normal)

Recovery is not the end of your cancer journey. For some, cancer becomes a chronic condition requiring periodic treatment. Others may go into long-term remission. But even if it's been years since you were successfully treated, no one, not even your cancer doctor, can tell you for sure that your cancer will not recur.

These days, Hugo Robledo, 54, of Sinton, Texas, a kidney cancer survivor, doesn't believe in procrastination. He finally made good on long-standing promises to buy a motorcycle and take his wife to Las Vegas.

"I always lived for 'one of these days,' but not anymore," he confessed. "I live for today and tomorrow, and thank God if I'm here next year."

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