My 8 Year Cancer Anniversary

By Diane Spry

2 min read

I just celebrated my eighth year living with stage IV lung cancer on April 11, 2022. I wrote before about my seventh cancer anniversary. I have the same but also different thoughts from last year.

During this past year, I developed advocacy fatigue as I stepped back from my advocacy efforts. I also found that I was very unhappy with the cancer life and spoke about this with my oncologist who then referred me to speak with a professional. I voiced my concern about having to use an action day for scans and my oncologist fixed that for me! Next up: Saturday sans.

Why celebrate my cancer anniversary?

When I say that I have celebrated my anniversary, I do not mean that I am celebrating having cancer. I am celebrating seeing another year on earth, another year with my family, and another year working. If you have not experienced a lung cancer diagnosis or even a severe illness this may seem like a foreign idea to celebrate a milestone like this. I still hope to hit the ten-year milestone to which I have now named, unicorn status.

Recognizing my cancerversary

When my sister asked me what I was going to be doing for my anniversary, I simply replied, working! You know because it was on a Monday. But jokes aside, I had actually not made any plans. I started work and in my downtime, I posted on Facebook. I mentioned those that we have lost and how I will continue the fight for them, and I thanked everyone for their time, donations, and everything else that has been given to me over the past 8 years. I ended my post with an appropriate song lyric from my favorite artist, Andrew McMahon.

"The way you see the world
It got you this far
You might have some bruises
And a few of scars
But you know you're gonna be okay."

I had a semi-slow day at work which is always nice. I was able to have lunch with a friend and after work, Robert suggested tacos and Dunkin for dinner but I had other ideas. I wanted to go to Olive Garden for some stuffed ziti fritta and a glass of wine. It was delicious, the wine was good and the company even better! After that, we did a little shopping. I got to spend some time with my sister, mom, and niece before making it home. All in all my cancer anniversary celebration was perfect.

Continue to live life to the fullest

I try not to look at any statistics posted online about lung cancer but even I know that living with stage IV lung cancer and thriving for eight years does not happen to all patients. Survivors' guilt is a big thing in the lung cancer world and I have had to face it head-on. I will take this gift that I am given and not only live life to the fullest, but I will also live it with purpose. I will continue to help the newly diagnosed as well as advocate for more research funding.

This article represents the opinions, thoughts, and experiences of the author; none of this content has been paid for by any advertiser. The LungCancer.net team does not recommend or endorse any products or treatments discussed herein. Learn more about how we maintain editorial integrity here.

Join the conversation

Please read our rules before commenting.

sscart Member
I will celebrate 4 years living with stage IV metastatic NSCLC on June 13. I, too, am so thankful to God for this time with family & friends. I never want to take each day for granted…I know each one is a gift. Thank you for your article. You give me hope for more years!!
1. Yolanda Brunson-Sarrabo Moderator
 <inline-mention username="sscart" user-id="2365624"/> This is absolutely awesome! Yes, live, live, and live- take each day one at a time. Wishing you the very best!
2. Alisa Moderator
 <inline-mention username="sscart" user-id="2365624"/> Glad to hear the article resonated with you and fantastic to hear 4 years! I am a 22-year survivor and I also feel each day is a blessing, I never take a moment for granted. With all the advances, hope is real! Warmly, Alisa, <a href='http://LungCancer.net' target='_blank'>LungCancer.net</a> Team
CommunityMember90d78d Member
I knew that my lung doctor was going to tell me that I had lung cancer. I read the results of the CT and PET scan. I had a biopsy. Still, I didn't want to face it alone. But my partner refused to come with me and dropped me off at the door. I don't remember anything the doctor said except that you have lung cancer. We have slept apart since February, 2022. I needed support and he refused. Same throughout the radiation treatments in March. I was always alone. In July, I had a major ischemic stroke. I couldn't move or speak. September 29th I finished inpatient rehab. October 3rd I was told that my cancer was in remission. (My tumor marker is still high in blood work.) I went through all of that alone. I hope none of you have to do that. 
1. Alisa Moderator
 <inline-mention username="CommunityMember90d78d" user-id="6899372"/> You certainly have been through a lot. Happy to hear you are in remission now, that is very encouraging. I'm sorry you had to go it alone and your partner is reacting that way. A lung cancer diagnosis affects everyone so differently, I wish you had the support. When I was diagnosed I was a single mom of young twin boys, so I basically went through it alone, too. I know it would have been a lot easier for me if I had someone coming with me. Thank you for sharing some of your story with us, we are here for you and for each other! Warmly, Alisa, Lung Cancer Team Patient Leader
CommunityMember62b0d2 Member
<inline-mention username="Alisa" user-id="2346003"/> ,thank you.

Community Poll

Have you taken our In America Survey yet?