Oh 2024, you overstuffed year of hype and divisiveness, give me space to breathe.
It’s January 2025—time to pause, reflect, and attempt to figure out what just happened.
Let’s see. I won’t bring up presidential politics because I know better. If I had to summarize what I remember about 2024 in speed round style it would go something like this: Taylor Swift, hurricanes, weight loss drugs, AI, Tayvis, Boeing problems, Middle East turmoil, and Paris Olympics.
Thankfully, though, there were welcome moments of unexpected clarity.
My annual Oncology appointment
In November I had my annual oncology appointment—this year with my medical oncologist, not one of the nurse practitioners. I am a grateful nine-year survivor of Stage IIIc breast cancer who writes and advocates for more resources and attention to be paid to the impact a traumatic cancer experience has on our long-term mental and behavioral health.
We had a few minutes to spare after my medical oncologist and I reviewed the routine list of post-cancer questions, so I asked if I could hammer her with a few questions. At the time I was working on the final draft for my next book, Unlikely Gifts Unwrapped, about what life after cancer has been like as I continue to seek answers, understand the new me, and blaze my path forward.
A sobering conversation with my Oncologist
Here is a recap of our conversation:
Me: Since my breast cancer was “estrogen-fed” and chemo launched me into menopause, will I ever be able to take estrogen supplements to help balance me out? I mean, I’m 59 now and those who know me are still trying to get used to how unfiltered I can be.
Oncologist: I recommend you continue to avoid estrogen. The risks vary based on a range of factors, but they far outweigh any potential benefits.
Me: Okay. I had no idea how much of a long-term impact cancer can continue to have.
Oncologist: (No words, just a smile).
Me: As you know, I continue to advocate for more attention to be paid to mental health and cancer, but it appears that, statistically, cancer is either continuing to become more prevalent, or life with cancer is being prolonged, or some are getting diagnosed earlier. I don’t know. What do you think is really happening?
Oncologist: It’s a combination of factors, but yes, overall, our cancer care center here is busier than ever. Some of my patients are experiencing cancer multiple times, but are being diagnosed with new, different types of cancer.
Me: What concerns you most about the future when it comes to cancer?
Oncologist: The shortage of oncologists. We need more of them, and I don’t see nearly enough entering the field.
Me: Wow, that’s sobering. I’m curious, since you just mentioned more occurrences of different types of cancer, what is the highest number of times one of your patients has received a diagnosis of a different type of cancer?
Oncologist: Seven. It’s a man, and he has the BRCA gene.
Me: I can’t even imagine going through treatment seven times for a different type of cancer.
Oncologist: To say he’s resilient would be an understatement.
That conversation, as sobering as it was, was one of the most memorable moments for me in 2024. Nothing—yet everything—about what she said made sense. What she provided was clear-cut honesty about a complex, troubling disease that continues to haunt me in unthinkable ways.
From asking why me, to focusing on living better
Nowadays, though, instead of asking Why Me, I focus on doing a better job of living. Which includes forgiving, saying no more often, setting boundaries, and focusing on those who accept and appreciate me for who I am.
But I will never stop asking questions, seeking answers and information. Because that’s how I grow. And continue to heal.
About the Author
Diane M. Simard
Psycho-oncology Advocate
Author | Motivational Speaker
Podcaster | Patient Advisor
Stage IIIc Breast Cancer Survivor
To learn more, please visit her website at DianeMSimard.com.