Name: Valerie
Current Status: NED (No Evidence of Disease)
Profile Narrative: Valerie is currently NED (no evidence of disease), though the emotional weight of cancer remains a constant presence in her life. While scans show no active disease, she lives with ongoing scan anxiety-a reminder that survivorship can be just as complex as treatment itself. Valerie describes cancer as an isolating diagnosis, one that often goes unspoken. Family and friends tended to avoid conversations about it, and in turn, she often chose not to bring it up, worried about making others uncomfortable. Through reflection, Valerie has gained clarity on what she wishes she had known earlier in her journey. Looking back, she encourages others facing a cancer diagnosis to seek emotional support sooner rather than carrying the burden alone. Today, she focuses on living life as fully as possible, embracing each day while acknowledging both the physical and emotional aftermath of cancer.
