Joanne, I am back and read your reply...wasn't pitying you...got sad, bc of all the stuff my hubby's family, which includes me, went thru last year bc of two deaths.
My next to youngest brother had Hodgkins, when he was 33, and I kept all three of his girls, while his wife, my SIL, helped him thru it.
I have never had cancer, but for five weeks last year, nobody was sure...well to be plain...if I was living or dying. Lots of stress memories...and pain memories.
I'm here, so that makes me a survivor, but I am not ashamed to say, it was hell, and I never want to go thru something like that again. Pity me? - no. Compassion? - yes. I applaud your victory, but still hurt for some, ok?