Advocate Spotlight: Ashley

LungCancer.net shares the stories and experiences of people living with lung cancer. We are highlighting the story of our advocate Ashley who learned about her lung cancer after an abdominal CT scan for another health reason. She is thankful for all the support this community has shown her since her own diagnosis.

This is Ashley’s story...

When I first learned about my lung cancer

On October 19, 2017, I heard the words, "you have cancer". I thought it was a death sentence, but I have learned that we treat lung cancer as a chronic disease instead of a death sentence.

In August of 2017, I had a female problem and was admitted to the women's hospital. My doctor ordered an abdominal CT prior to me going to the hospital for admission. THIS CT SAVED MY LIFE. It was that CT that caught the lower portion of my lungs and nodules were visible. I was then sent to a Pulmonary Specialist without any answers and then on to a thoracic surgeon where sections of my lungs were removed for biopsy. The tissue was then sent to Mayo Clinic in Arizona for further review. It took approximately two months to get a final diagnosis.

All the while, doctors saying this wasn’t lung cancer but was unsure of the exact cause and issue.

Still on my first-line therapy

Thankfully I am still on first-line therapy of Tagrisso, a targeted therapy. At the time of my diagnosis, my oncologist did his best to explain to me and discuss with me biomarker testing and its importance. He also explained in detail the “if/then” scenarios. If I had a particular mutation, then I would be on X drug. If I didn’t have any of those mutations, then I would be on X type of drug. It was a lot to comprehend, but the only thing that I could really grasp was oral chemo over infusion which meant my hair would stay with me and I would swallow a pill in my own home.

I had the T790M and was given Tagrisso as a first-line just one month after it was approved by the FDA as a first-line. I must say that the stars were aligned for me on that day. I am grateful as I head into three years on this drug.

Thankful for those that shed positivity in the fight

Cancer in my body is tough to swallow, but I appreciate the perspective shift. The realization that each day is truly a gift and the need to live intentionally began on diagnosis day. I find inspiration through my faith and also connecting with others that are walking in a cancer journey. We understand what each other are going through more than anyone else.

It was comforting in early diagnosis to meet people that were living and thriving with cancer. I am inspired by those that truly never give up regardless of the hand they are dealt -- they never complain or let fear take over. That is where I gather my inspiration more so than anything else. Many that have left us never quit encouraging and being a light for those in the fight with them. It’s very easy to wallow and fall apart, but I am thankful for those that shed positivity in the fight.

A fun fact about me...

I love musical theatre and have spent many nights on the stage rehearsing and performing. Despite stage IV lung cancer, I still sing and record to share with my social media network. Music is often an outlet for me -- it says what our emotions can’t.