All articles tagged with #fear of recurrence
Five years after breast cancer remission, the author argues survivorship isn’t a clean ending: trauma and PTSD linger, everyday cues can trigger treatment memories, the fear of recurrence persists, and costs—medical, travel, and time off work—continue long after active treatment, challenging the glossy “inspirational survivor” narrative and highlighting the need for ongoing support.
Emma Schlamm, a 29-year-old woman from California, revealed her experience with ovarian cancer and the dismissal of her symptoms by doctors. After persistent advocacy, a scan revealed a mass that was removed along with her ovary. A year later, she was diagnosed with low-grade serous ovarian cancer. Schlamm underwent chemotherapy, surgery, and froze her eggs. While there is currently no evidence of the disease in her body, she continues to live with the fear of recurrence. Schlamm serves as a board member of the STAAR Ovarian Cancer Foundation and emphasizes the importance of advocating for one's health.