While going through cancer treatment and into recovery, you may find yourself setting milestones along the way. How you choose your milestones is unique to you, because everyone’s cancer journey is different.

Some common milestones you may set for yourself include:

• Finishing the first, second, etc. part of treatment
• The end of your chemotherapy or radiation treatment
• The anniversary of your cancer surgery
• Test result showing your treatment is working
• News that you are cancer free
• Each anniversary of having no signs of cancer

Getting through the different phases of the cancer journey is a big deal. Setting milestones can help you stay positive and motivated, and overcome hurdles along the way. 

Whatever your milestones may be, when you reach one, be sure to acknowledge it. For instance, some people remember their “cancerversary” as the day they were told they were cancer-free or the day they finished treatment. Every cancerversary, they find a way to celebrate in a way that makes sense for them.

Here are some things you can do to acknowledge your milestones, and celebrate those cancerversaries: 

• Take time to look back and reflect. Write about your experiences in a journal.
• Plant a tree. Trees symbolize life, hope and growth.  
• Challenge yourself by trying a new food or activity. Make a bucket list and do something out of your comfort zone.
• Plan a vacation to somewhere you’ve always wanted to go, or attend a special event.
• Give back to others by volunteering your time. Help another person going through cancer, or join a support group and share your experiences. 
• Participate in a special cancer survivors’ walk to mark the occasion. 
• Express yourself through creative arts, like painting, coloring or drawing.
• Get physical! Sign up for a health and fitness class to keep your body strong. Try yoga or Reiki.
• Spend a little extra time pampering yourself. Get a massage, go to a movie, or buy yourself something you’ve always wanted.
• Spend time with people you love. Go out to lunch or dinner. Let them know how much they mean to you. 

Milestones can help you live your life as fully and best as possible in spite of cancer. Each one is a reminder of how far you’ve come in your cancer journey and how hard you worked.

Did you celebrate your cancerversary? Tell us in the below comments.

Learn more about cancer support services at Edward-Elmhurst Health.