A Challenge Like No Other

It may be fair to say when diagnosed with lung cancer, and as a smoker or former smoker, it may be expected to have some tall tale signs of future symptoms. The problem is this is not always the case, as being a smoker doesn't always dictate a lung cancer diagnosis- you just don't know.

In the case of non-smokers who do display signs of something but are not properly detected because they are not in the category of worry, the stigma of this cancer makes it difficult to move the way you need to move, and it's always a time factor in doing so. A fellow advocate reminded me with wise words: "If you have lungs, then the probability of lung cancer is possible for anyone."

Lingering symptoms shouldn't be ignored

Usually, the call out for many patients is those expected symptoms that "may" be questionable and hold enough concern to get checked out. The cough that doesn't go away or shows questionable phlegm, but what if you don't have those?

It's unfortunate, but sometimes, many of the symptoms could share similarities with other conditions. Lingering symptoms such as sudden weight loss and chest pain may be a crossover or not. Any lingering issues that sort of spring up should be looked at immediately to rule out.

Advocating for answers

Many can relate to the doctor's script, which is that they do not know what is going on until further tests are run; the problem is that sometimes there's red tape in getting clearance from medical insurance to run certain tests.

I've now become savvy on how this whole system works; in some cases, it is not the doctors not wanting to test further, but more of the additional expense towards your pockets in doing so. How well you're up to par on your check-ups makes a difference in spearheading any lingering condition. When all parties are on deck and paying attention to signs of anything, it truly makes a difference between a stage 1 and a stage 4 diagnosis.

Sometimes, we may feel like it's a trial and error to figure out why we feel this way and what it means. The needle in the haystack is just that, and based on your disclosure, full transparency is what moves the needle in how you're tested and when.

The answers may not be cut and dry, but it's up to you, the patient, to be diligent in asking, describing, and expressing additional testing if, in your gut, you feel something is off. The resistance may be there, but who knows your body better than you do? Sometimes, even the slightest change may or may not be an issue, but facing the question and getting a doctor's eyes on it is a start.

Questions to guide your lung cancer journey

Sometimes finding the solution in figuring out if this could be lung cancer may take more effort on your part than you'd like it to be. If you think about what transparency looks like when communicating with your doctor when resolving the concern,

Questions to consider in the conversation:

• What is the difference between a CT scan and an MRI? Which one will benefit me right now?
• Are other body pain a deterrent for lung cancer?
• Can stopping my smoking habits now make a difference later, or is it too late?

When the answers are unclear, you just have to keep directing the needle!

The time to fight is now, with integrity, grace, hope, and a smile…when you feel like it