Cancer Survivors Stand Tall and Proud - ALL OF YOU!!

In the cancer community, it seems the word "Survivor" has been discussed and debated. There are many, who have had cancer, who do NOT consider themselves "survivors."

A comparison is being made to other cancer patients and lines drawn as to who has earned the right to consider themselves a true survivor. This is complete insanity!

People who have only had surgery for cancer and not received chemotherapy or radiation feel they don't deserve the title, next to those who have. Those who receieve JUST radiation and NOT chemotherapy or vice versa, compare themselves to others. Cancer patients who don't lose their hair from chemotherapy feel less deserving of this distinction than those who do. All this information has been based on studies being conducted by cancer support groups and cancer organizations who are trying to understand why some cancer survivors don't wear that badge proudly.

Too many people have a picture in their head of a cancer patient being sick, bald and weak. In many cases, this is true. In many other cases, this isn't at all. There are people going to school and work regularly while undergoing cancer treatments. People who sometimes you don't even know are cancer patients. Numerous cancers require various treatments and so no two cancer patients will experience the same exact journey. What should bond these people, is NOT their degree of side effects and suffering, but the diagnosis and the journey.

Whether you have gotten as ill as another patient or not, does not distinguish whether or not you can be considered a "cancer survivor." Many cancer support groups struggle with explaining this theory and are hoping more and more people simply welcome the title and celebrate the survivorship without guilt or comparison!

ANYONE who has heard the words - YOU HAVE CANCER - is part of this club.

Treatment options and choices, side effects and suffering don't change that one bit.

If you have been diagnosed with CANCER - ANY KIND of cancer - skin cancer, blood cancer, breast cancer, bone cancer, lung cancer and on and on, and have taken YOUR JOURNEY, wherever it has led you, THEN YOU ARE A CANCER SURVIVOR.

Cancer in all stages is traumatic to a patient receiving that diagnosis. Cancer of any kind is petrifying to have - because IT'S CANCER.

Don't compare. Don't stereotype. Don't feel guilty. Short battle or long. A one time fight or several times. It doesn't matter. You fought cancer and are here to celebrate that fact. All of you deserve recognition, celebration and A STANDING OVATION!!

Stand stall and proud and let the world know - I HAVE SURVIVED CANCER!! Add THAT to your life's list of amazing accomplishments.

Bond with those who have all heard the most three horrifying, and life changing, words anyone can hear. Stick together and share in this experience that has changed you all forever. An experience that unless you go through it yourself, you will never fully understand.

Cancer survivors, you are ALL amazing and an inspiration, to me and all those who know you. Claim that badge and wear it proudly because we ARE PROUD OF YOU! More than you could ever know!!

This blog is dedicated to each and everyone of you. It saddens me to think of SO MANY of you as I write this blog because that just reminds me of how many people I know that have suffered so terribly with this disease, or are suffering right now. Whatever your journey, you survived! I applaud you, celebrate you, admire you and wish you all continued health, strength and courage in the rest of your journeys.

"A survivor is one who carries on in the face of adversity. Who perserveres in the most difficult of times. One who never gives up or gives in. Someone who displays amazing courage. A true inspiration."