Lung Cancer Awareness Month and Loss

November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month and my fellow lung cancer brothers and sisters have been vigilant in spreading the news that anyone can get this cancer. We have poster information everyday and tried to reach as many people as possible. Many lung cancer patients have set up tables at medical facilities with information, spread information via social media and made videos. We have spread the information that just because you have lung cancer does not mean it is an immediate death sentence. We have survivors that are approaching fifteen years since diagnosis. Unfortunately, we've also had survivors who only lasted a few years.

This November has been different...

This year November has been quite difficult as we have had a number of losses. That is one thing we have to live with. While our treatments may be working and keeping our tumors at bay, we have other things to worry about. That visitor who comes to see us with a cold. Metastasis.

We are fighters and survivors

We are strong. We are fighters. We use our time to help spread awareness and information. This is how we keep our minds busy and occupied so we don't just sit and think, "I have cancer."

And now we have the holidays. I am so thankful that I am here to enjoy my children and my family. When I was diagnosed, I prayed I would last year or two. Well, here I am 5 years and 10 months later and still going strong. I have seen one child get married. Two grandchildren were born last year. And now next year, I am looking forward to the weddings of two children.

It's up to you to find the good

There are positives to this diagnosis. YOU just have to find them. Be grateful for every day. Live every day as if it may be your last. Don't wait for that special thing you want or that trip you've always wanted to go on. Do it now for we never know what may happen. During November, I lost 5 people that I know. Two of them knew the end was coming so we were somewhat prepared. The other three were a complete surprise.

Lung cancer is not your fault

Loss is a part of life. We all will not make it out of this life alive. That is my favorite saying. Problem is -- we as survivors just maybe sooner than others but that doesn't mean we can't live a full life. We certainly can. We just have to be a bit more careful and do more planning in where we go and who we see. If you are newly diagnosed, you will eventually begin to realize that with all the new treatments that have been discovered, you can manage your life to continue to enjoy your family and live life to the fullest that your health will allow you too.

Just remember, anyone can get lung cancer. It is not your fault that you have it.

Editor’s Note: We are extremely saddened to say that on January 28, 2020, Jennifer Toth passed away. Jennifer was a passionate advocate for the Lung Cancer community. She will be deeply missed.