My Lung Cancer Story

Hi there. I was initially diagnosed with Lung Cancer Stage 4 by accident really. I have been an asthmatic since the age of 2 and was seen every six months by a Chest Consultant. Every year I was given a scan and there they spotted "IT" growing away.

Found then that I had spread to my liver/lymph nodes/pleura etc etc.

Had that first scary phone call on 23rd December 2013. Fouled up that Christmas I can tell you!!

Given 3-4 months to live!!

Had a disastrous CT Biopsy on 31st December that year. Collapsed lung and hemorrhage. Then into St Georges in Tooting London for a VATS talc pleurodesis procedure.

SO lucky then to be found to have EGFR mutations in my Cancer Growth.

Started on Gefitinib/Iressa as first line treatment. Side-effects awful for 4 months with boils/ulcers/dire rear/sickness etc. Really felt like giving up until my dear Oncologist recommended reducing the dosage to every other day ! WOW - I have been in love with him ever since I reckon ! Got a life back and stayed on this treatment until December 2016, when I had growth in my tumors. Found by EBUS (down the throat biopsy to lymph nodes) that my "mutant" lung cancer had mutated again to have T790M instead.

SO put onto a drug called Tagrisso/Osimertinib. This has been holding all but my "rogue" primary since then till now August 2018. Brilliant drug.

Just completed a week of just 3 treatments of SBTR radiotherapy to the "rogue". Hoping that by zapping it things will continue successfully.

Can only say I have been SO LUCKY !!! Okay - not by getting Lung Cancer- but by the faith I have put in my wonderful Oncologist and by his being so "on the ball" with treatments available.

I have managed to stay active and upbeat and now spend a lot of my time helping others through the Macmillan Community as a Community Champion. Also attend various Advisory Board meetings/seminars to speak on behalf of patients. Feel I have to give something back for all the help I've received over the past "almost" 5 years of living with Terminal Lung Cancer. So much for 3-4 months is all I can say.

Advice from me :- Keep learning - you are your own best advocate. Keep asking questions - it's your body and you need to know - information is power. Keep Kicking Cancer's As*.
Diz UK

This article represents the opinions, thoughts, and experiences of the author; none of this content has been paid for by any advertiser. The LungCancer.net team does not recommend or endorse any products or treatments discussed herein. Learn more about how we maintain editorial integrity here.

Join the conversation

Please read our rules before commenting.