I have titled this post ‘Living with, rather than in, remission’, as I feel that there is a big difference between the two. To explain that further, I have taken a dictionary definition of the word remission, in a cancer context. ‘A decrease in or disappearance of signs and symptoms of cancer. In partial remission, some, but not all, signs and symptoms of cancer have disappeared. In complete remission, all signs and symptoms of cancer have disappeared, although cancer still may be in the body’. Over the years, I have spoken to many people about remission. Of course, it is a word that you are hoping to hear, as you go from diagnosis to prognosis to treatment. If things go as you hope, you may eventually hear those words, “Congratulations, you are now
Archive for the cancer Category
“How are you?” This is possibly the most common greeting that we use today. In fact we probably use it so frequently, that we have almost forgotten what it actually means. It is a question, not a statement and therefore prompts an answer, which may then start a conversation! In truth, that is not what we necessarily want to do. What we are actually doing is acknowledging that person. “I’m fine” is generally the answer which comes back, and for most of us that is probably a relief, as we will not then get involved in a heavy conversation.We all have issues of course, in most instances, not really of interest to anyone else, and if they were, possibly far too complex to be discussing in a brief encounter. However, when I