I get it. If I end up succumbing to colon cancer, I dont want my obituary to read I lost my battle. It implies defeat, and whether I add to my current 16 years of remission or not, facing even one day with cancer is a victory in and of itself.

However, I dont always avoid war terms when talking about cancer. I completely respect those who are sensitive to this language and dont like it. A lot of these opinions have been shared recently in light of Senator McCains diagnosis. Theres also studies that discourage using battle language when describing cancer.

Theyre right - theres a technical difference between military service to our country and uncontrollably being diagnosed with a disease.

However, for me, explaining my cancer experience in terms of a fight or war is extremely empowering.