YAY. We have been waiting months or maybe years to hear this. It has finally happened and we tell our family and friends. What they hear is that the cancer is gone, not understanding that NED (no evidence of disease) does not mean that the cancer is gone. That NED does not mean that we’re in remission. They think we are now back to our old selves, back to normal. We are not.
How do we explain that NED means that I am in an indefinite state of apprehension and fear, yet grateful for this absolutely positive news? That cancer cells could still be lingering. That we are happy for one minute and worried as hell the next.
Cancer is an emotional rollercoaster even when the scans come back clear.
Have you struggled with explaining NED to your friends and family?
