Finding My Happiness Despite Facing Lung CancerMy diagnosis has driven me to value my time and opportunity more. On top of that, I need to find the happier side while facing lung cancer. I am thankful...reactionscomments
Coping With My Symptoms As They ComeHaving stage 4 lung cancer may be incurable but my effective treatment and ongoing care has led me living a better quality of life. Despite surviving for years, I am...reactions4comments
Taking Care of My Mental HealthAs the years go by, boosting my mental health remains one of my priorities for survivorship. As I navigate my life with my illness, other mind-body practices can reduce my...reactions5comments
My Travel Goals While Prioritizing TreatmentIn September of last year, I traveled to the ancient cities of Rome and Pisa, Italy. The nine-hour flight on each way and going through three busy international airports took...reactionscomments
My Lung Cancer Alteration of ALK GeneLittle did I know that we were all born with the ALK (anaplastic lymphoma kinase) gene, but mine had an alteration. At diagnosis, I underwent a needle biopsy to get...reactions4comments
My Survivorship Comes With Longstanding Side EffectsAnother year of facing my side effects head-on for my survival. I agree that being a survivor is personal. One size fits all does not exist when it comes to...reactionscomments
A Discerning Life With Lung CancerUnending new developments in lung cancer research and clinical trials give me hope for my future. There are more treatment options giving patients’ better quality of lives and even longer...reactionscomments
Upon Entering Another YearJanuary is a month after all the holiday celebrations, gatherings, and vacations. But for me, this marks the start of my fifth year taking the same TKI for my type...reactions23comments
My Bright Outlook From Diagnosis and BeyondThe first time I heard the words “You have lung cancer,” my life changed so quickly. All I could think of at that moment was how on earth I would...reactionscomments
Co-Existing Emotions With SurvivorshipHuman beings express different emotions. Valid emotions coexist with us and become part of our lives. However, emotions are felt stronger while living with lung cancer and to those especially...reactions5comments
My Ride With Lung CancerReflecting on my diagnosis, I had many questions in my mind. My mind went so crazy that I felt hopeless with my stage 4 illness. Pulling through a lung cancer...reactionscomments
The Impact of Lung Cancer GroupsThe beautiful part of my healing is opening space for new people living with lung cancer to enter my life. My heart is full despite the advanced stage of my...reactionscomments
Travel Is My Therapy"To travel is to live” is a quote I hold dearly in my heart. During the pandemic, traveling was difficult and restricted. However, post-pandemic has allowed people to travel with...reactions4comments
Extra Movement During TreatmentI am still on my first targeted therapy treatment but on a lower dose so my hemoglobin count can go back to normal level. In addition, my blood sugar count...reactions10comments
Beyond My ControlBefore my diagnosis, there was stuff way beyond my control. After my diagnosis, my life has changed. My journey with lung cancer poses things that are out of my control...reactions9comments
Cultivating Joy ConstantlyEveryone wants to be happy, even the people living with lung cancer. But it is not always easy, especially on my part. I have realized it is a never-ending cultivating...reactions5comments
What Is Within My ControlEven before I found out I had lung cancer, there were many things I couldn't have prevented. The addition and persistence of cancer only make matters worse. One of my...reactionscomments
Pressing On Day To DayMy lung cancer treatment has let me live longer than I expected. Nevertheless, one thing that I have to cope with is the negative effects that the treatment has on...reactionscomments
Protecting My Mental HealthI have stage IV ALK-positive lung cancer with brain mets. Anyone affected by late-stage lung cancer faces symptoms of depression or a mental struggle. I have realized since my diagnosis...reactions6comments
Waiting and Anxiety As My ConstantsThe targeted therapy I am on can treat my lung cancer but may harm other parts of my body. Aside from treatment, I have monthly blood tests, quarterly CT scans...reactions3comments
