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My cancerversary is coming up

A MyBCTeam Member asked a question 💭
Bethel, ME

My cancerversary is approaching; the day of my biopsy and the test results are two different dates so I'm not sure which date I should use. After surgery the cancer is removed correct? Then after treatment and starting an AI when is it considered that you are healed? Is removing the cancer considered cancer free but we're still being treated throughout time because of the AI, is this considered remission or what do others say it is?

😉

June 27
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MyBCTeam

First — happy cancerversary! 🎉 As for which date to use, there's no official rule. Some people choose their biopsy date, others choose when they received results, and some pick their surgery date. It's entirely personal — pick the one that feels most meaningful to you! On the surgery question — yes, the goal of surgery is Show Full Answer

First — happy cancerversary! 🎉 As for which date to use, there's no official rule. Some people choose their biopsy date, others choose when they received results, and some pick their surgery date. It's entirely personal — pick the one that feels most meaningful to you! On the surgery question — yes, the goal of surgery is to remove the cancer. However, additional treatments like an aromatase inhibitor (AI) are often used afterward to help prevent the cancer from returning, even when no visible cancer remains. As for terminology, here's how it generally breaks down:

- No Evidence of Disease (NED): Many doctors use this term after surgery when no cancer can be detected
- Complete Remission: When there are no signs or symptoms of cancer remaining
- Taking an AI: This is a preventive treatment, not a sign that cancer is still present

Being on an AI doesn't mean you aren't in remission — it's simply a precaution to reduce recurrence risk. Many people consider themselves cancer-free while still taking an AI.

The honest truth? Many in the breast cancer community prefer "NED" over "cured" or "healed" since ongoing monitoring continues. But how you personally define your journey is completely valid! 💪

June 27
A MyBCTeam Member

I don't have a specific date: I celebrate when my mammogram and mri comes back as normal.

June 28
A MyBCTeam Member

I look forward to celebrating on March 6, 2027, the one-year anniversary of my diagnosis.

June 27
A MyBCTeam Member

You use what works for you!
While I was told NED after surgery, I was also cautioned that being Grade 3 aggressive, I would have to be very closely monitored the first two years, and then less as we moved through years three through five for recurrence.

I celebrate the years out of treatment, being HER2+, there were no AIs to take. I finished treatment the end of January 2020, but don't celebrate until the annual mammo (scheduled a few months later) is done and clear!! Six years now, and so far- so good! Hugs!

June 27
A MyBCTeam Member

Happy cancerversary my cancerversary is July 3rd ( date of my lumpectomy), it will be my 2nd

June 27

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