Celebrating Survivors Day, the End of Treatment and Other Cancer Journey Milestones

Most cancer survivors will tell you they have two extremely vivid memories: the moment they received their diagnosis and the moment they finally finished treatment. However, in between, and for people who may never finish treatment, there are many types of victories worth celebrating. We asked our Facebook followers to share their stories of parties, trips, special moments, ringing the Victory Bell and more.

How did you celebrate victories and milestones during your cancer journey?

  • We went on a family vacation to Myrtle Beach when I finally finished treatment.
  • Last year on National Cancer Survivors Day, I had a huge cookout with my friends and family. I ended up getting pretty tired because I was still in treatment, but it was uplifting to have a few hours recognizing that I am SURVIVING!
  • My son rang the bell in the lobby for all to hear that he completed 30 rounds of brain radiation! Couldn't be a happier day! Then we were able to attend the Courage of Carly Christmas party that evening!
  • Honestly, I spent the whole weekend at home watching movies with my family. I wouldn’t have wanted anything else – my world was perfect at that moment.
  • Went out to dinner with my beautiful wife.
  • Unfortunately, I will always need treatment, but I still find ways to celebrate. On the days where I am feeling well, I plan little gatherings and outings with my family. Like going to Niagara Falls. I am also going to ring the Victory Bell on Survivors Day because I consider how much I have gotten through a victory!
  • I celebrated finishing the treatment by giving my radiation team some thank you gifts, giving my oncologist a big hug, then my husband & I went to celebrate by having my favorite beer (just one) & some pretzels!
  • I think I went for movies and ice cream when I finished treatment! That's what I remember at least!
  • I spent time with family and friends and we all had cake.
  • A whole group of my friends and family released lanterns into the night sky and said goodbye to cancer.
  • I rang the Victory Bell and then signed up to run my first 5K that summer. #RoswellStrong
  • When Courage of Carly kids finish treatment, the pediatric team sprays them with silly string, gives them a cookie cake and balloons, and everyone cheers and celebrates together!
  • I watched the sunrise over a lake with a big cup of tea.
  • I made a list of things I was grateful for and also goals I wanted to accomplish in the upcoming year.
  • My girlfriends and I went to Vegas!
  • It was the fourth of July so I watched the fireworks with my loved ones and cheered until I lost my voice.
  • My boyfriend and I bought a puppy together!

Editor’s Note: Cancer patient outcomes and experiences may vary, even for those with the same type of cancer. An individual patient’s story should not be used as a prediction of how another patient will respond to treatment. Roswell Park is transparent about the survival rates of our patients as compared to national standards, and provides this information, when available, within the cancer type sections of this website.