Community Spotlight: Rhonda (Part 2)

Since her diagnosis in 2019, Rhonda has been on different treatments like chemotherapy and immunotherapy to treat her late-stage lung cancer. This is Rhonda’s story about resilience and learning to live with lung cancer.

Read the first part of Rhonda's story in Community Spotlight: Rhonda (Part 1).

Inspiration behind sharing my story and connecting with others

As you can tell, I have no qualms about talking! When I saw a LungCancer.net article on Facebook I just knew that I wanted to comment. I know that I am blessed and I wanted to tell others just starting their journey that there is hope!

I would recommend that people tell their story, ask questions because the people they are connecting with KNOW what they are going through. Family and friends are great support, but those that have been through the treatments, are going through the treatments really know what you are feeling. For example...fatigue. Family and friends can say they understand, but unless you have actually had cancer fatigue you just can’t understand.

I was lucky that I had a very close cousin that had gone through testicular cancer and he was my absolute rock when I was first diagnosed and started treatment. Unfortunately, during my treatment, he was diagnosed with brain cancer and it took him down fast. We lost him in January 2020, it was heartbreaking and really affected me. We had formed a bond that was beyond cousins. I miss him dearly.

Where do I find support?

My support comes from my husband and family first. I also have huge support from many friends from all over the country. I know that their prayers and love were a big reason that I have done so well. I have also made new friends on Facebook through the support pages and that is a blessing! God has been my best support. I had faith that God would hear all the prayers being said for me.

I share with anyone that wants to listen! I want to be a beacon of hope for everyone. I also want to encourage others to not put off their health. I was one of those that never went to the doctor. I only went because I thought my GERD was worse and wanted to see if I could get some prescription medicine to help. I had no idea it was my liver causing my pain. Neither did my primary care doctor. He gave me a prescription, gave me a referral to a gastro doctor, and because I had not had bloodwork done in over 2 years had me go to the lab that day for a comprehensive blood workup. THAT is how they found my cancer. My AST and ALT liver enzyme numbers were off the chart, so he ordered an ultrasound on my liver.

A lady that I worked with was having pain and she said that I inspired her to go get it checked out. She had a 12 pound tumor and stage 1 ovarian cancer. She had surgery and chemo so we were on chemo for a while at the same time. She told me that if not for me being so open about my diagnosis and treatment, she would have not gone to the doctor when she did. She always tells me that I saved her life. That is why I like to connect and share...to maybe help someone else!

Put your energy into positive thoughts and actions

I’ve always been one to look for the best in every situation. I try not to dwell on negative thoughts. I learned that from my sister-in-law that had colon cancer and died at age 38 two and half years after diagnosis. She would not allow negative around her!

My advice would be to try to put all your energy into positive thoughts and actions. Force yourself to fight with all you have inside you, know that your support has your back, and let them help you. When you need to cry...cry. When you need to rest...rest. It’s time to become selfish while you are going through treatments.

I’m not happy all the time, my fears still creep in and I’m aware that it could come back at any time but I can’t stay that way for long. I believe that being positive does help with treatments. I know someone that was having the exact same chemo drugs as me with the same diagnosis (wasn’t stage 4 though) who was very negative. She had a very hard time with chemo. I tried my best to pull her out of the negative, but that’s where she wanted to be. She made it through chemo and has a much more positive outlook now. I just think she wouldn’t have suffered as much if she had a more positive attitude about the treatment. If you think the worst and expect the worst...you usually get the worst. I looked at my treatments as a necessary medicine to get better and that it was HELPING me, not hurting me.

I have to move forward and have faith that God has done all that he has done for me for a reason. I’m still trying to find that reason, but I’m more and more interested in advocacy work.

Some words of encouragement and support

Just to keep fighting and keep your hope alive! So many great innovations are in the pipeline. Do everything you can to advocate for more money for research on ALL cancers.

Make sure that you have an honest and deep relationship with your doctor. YOU are your best advocate. Don’t be afraid, it’s YOUR life. Ask questions about anything that you want to know and don’t be afraid to ask “why”?

Be careful what you read on the internet, a LOT of the statistics are outdated. Also, be careful about listening to a lot of negative comments. Read ALL comments, and don’t make treatment decisions based on what one person experienced. Each patient and each case is different. Don’t be afraid of treatments and new ones offered.

Something most people don't know about me...

I guess a fun fact would be that I’m a HUGE college football fan as well as a HUGE NASCAR fan. I’m looking forward to going to a race as soon as possible. I was unable to attend in 2019 because of my treatments and well...2020...you all know how that went!