Community Spotlight: Nancy

Nancy was diagnosed with lung cancer in 2013 and has since found support through various lung cancer communities. This is Nancy's story of perseverance and advocating for herself.

A serious situation...

I was diagnosed with stage IV NSCLC in 2013. A very knowledgeable kind thoracic oncologist here in Maine gave me the news. I do not remember hearing anything about expected survival. I knew right away, though, that this was a serious situation.

I thought that I would take whatever they gave and get well. Then I thought I had to go to Boston.

Currently, I am taking Xalkori and have been for 6 years.

Awareness is important

The most important thing I have learned is that I will not be cured, that to keep living I will have to have treatment.

I wish I knew how underfunded research is for this deadliest of cancers.

Support goes a long way

I went online searching for others with lung cancer to learn about the disease and to get support for living with the disease. I would tell those who want to share their story about having lung cancer to find lung cancer groups online and become active. I would also tell anyone diagnosed to find the best thoracic oncologist possible, have genomic testing, and to reach out for support as widely as possible.

My support is online and from the members of my family and my community. I live on a small island. From the start, I told everyone about my diagnosis because I felt I would need a lot of support.

Grateful for my family and community

I think I am the oldest person I am in touch with in the lung cancer community! I run the house and take care of my husband who has dementia. I am so grateful to be able to do all I am doing.

Tell us what life looks like since your diagnosis and why finding support is important to you. Submit your own story!