SCLC Community Spotlight: Michele

Michele Raasch was diagnosed with small cell lung cancer (SCLC) in September 2019. After experiencing concerning, abnormal changes in her health, Michele talked with her doctor and was shocked to learn she had lung cancer. Michele talks about finding support, adjusting to a new normal and her hope for life ahead.

My shocking lung cancer diagnosis

I was diagnosed in September 2019 with small cell lung cancer. My world came to a complete standstill. I couldn't breathe because I was crying so hard.

I was working at my local hospital as a phlebotomist and just felt something wasn't right. My shoulders felt weak, and I was short of breath more than usual. So I made an appointment with my PCP right away to figure out what was going on. He ordered a chest x-ray and they found a suspicious spot on the lower right lobe of my lung.

After months, I'm nearly through treatment

Next thing I knew, I was going for a CT scan and PET scan and then biopsy, where they confirmed stage 1a small cell lung cancer. The doctor started me on chemotherapy and radiation right away without hesitation. It was a long 6 months of constant appointments and being sick, but I made it through it.

This June I will be having a follow-up scan and see where I stand. The most frustrating part is the waiting game and prognosis.

Always listen to your gut instincts

Since my diagnosis, I have reached out to several online communities. They have been very supportive and filled me with some hope. One thing I learned through this whole journey is to always listen to your gut instincts because more than half the time...your instincts are right. I'm hoping with my early diagnosis and gut feelings that it prolonged my life.

May God heal us all of cancer.

If you are living with small cell lung cancer and would like to share your story like Michele, you can by going to LungCancer.net's share your story submission page. Tell us your diagnosis story, treatment experiences, and where you find strength and support.