Mark Lewis: A hard-fought remission that ushers in constant fear is a Pyrrhic victory

Mark Lewis shared on X:

“I posted yesterday about my concern as an oncologist that microscopic residue of cancer can linger below the threshold of radiographic detection

But, on the other hand, durable remissions DO happen (and, yes, sometimes we say cure!) but only time can tell

How to reconcile this?

My profound apologies if I exacerbated the anxiety of any fellow patients on here

If, in conversations with your oncologist, they have told you that you’re in remission, ‘with NED’, or even cured, then it is absolutely not my place to undermine that or your sense of reassurance!

My full thoughts on the psychology of all this here.”

Gain of Function: Empathy for the Uncertain Patient With Cancer

Author: Mark A. Lewis

Source: Mark Lewis/X

For more posts by Mark Lewis, visit oncodaily.com

Mark A. Lewis is the Director of Gastrointestinal Oncology at Intermountain Healthcare in Utah, the Co-Chair of adolescent and young adult (AYA) oncology in the SWOG cooperative group, and the Vice President of American Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Support. Dr. Lewis is also a well-known patient advocate and social media influencer. His interests are neuroendocrine tumors and cancer syndromes.