FREE Ground Shipping on all domestic orders $50+
Cancer-versary
![Cancer-versary](http://thebalmbox.com/cdn/shop/articles/Rad_Techs_1080_{width}x.png?v=1637023437)
I finished my last Radiation treatment the Wednesday before Thanksgiving in 2017. That year, Thanksgiving was especially celebratory, as I could focus on the holidays knowing I was *finally* done with intensive cancer treatments.
![](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0268/6445/1664/files/boob_cupcakes_240x240.png?v=1637023345)
There’s a lot of conversation about what designates a “cancer-versary”. For me, it was the last treatment appointment. For others, it might be a doctor’s appointment where they are declared NED – “No Evidence of Disease.” There’s no actual official timetable for this date, which makes it a little hard to know when and how to feel “done.”
However it’s determined, I think it is SO important to acknowledge and celebrate the end of cancer treatments - to have a date to use as a go-forward demarcation point in life – the date BEFORE and AFTER Cancer. How patients celebrate is highly personal. My friends threw me a party and it was spectacular – but I’m an extrovert with extremely generous friends. There are SO many great options to consider, depending on where patients rank from extrovert to introvert and budget range. I put together a handy-dandy chart with ideas along all parts of the spectrum.
![](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0268/6445/1664/files/Ways_to_Celebrate_Cancerversary_1_97ea4f13-6291-4e1b-a25c-a010a8b3fca7_480x480.png?v=1637023143)
The most important thing is to acknowledge and celebrate one’s cancer-versary. One of the best ways friends and family can support cancer patients is to gently nudge them to declare a cancer-versary date. The actual event matters so much less than the choice to celebrate. Whether it’s a blowout bash or quiet picnic in the park, my strong recommendation is to take a minute to acknowledge and celebrate the end of a treatment plan. Acknowledge the struggle and celebrate the accomplishment!