Lalaine Alfaro

In 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...

Little 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...

Another 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...

Unending 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...

January 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...

The 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...

Human 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...

Reflecting 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...

The 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...

"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...

I 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...

Before 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...

Everyone 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...

Even 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...

My 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...

I 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...

The 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...

Living with lung cancer has changed my perspective on life. I have been interested in clinical studies as well as the different lung cancer treatment options for my ALK-positive biomarker. Being...

The Beatles were a popular rock band formed in the 1960s. Their songs have lived on until now. My children and my 2-year-old grandson know their songs by heart. My...

Once again, I am reminded to have the right attitude for another year. Being grateful keeps my eyes away from what I lack. Instead, it makes me count my blessings...