Lung Cancer Won't Kill Me

Do I sound naive? Do I sound like I am in denial? Well, I can assure you, I am not. I know this disease is not going away. My treatments keep things from progressing but there may come a day when this is not the case.

So what am I talking about? Pneumonia, blood clot, sepsis, pneumonitis, and so many other things. A simple cold can turn into pneumonia and can land you into a hospital ICU somewhere. We, as patients, must be careful with our compromised immune systems. We can catch anything at any time.

Fighting illness after illness

I can attest to that as in January I had an unknown urinary tract infection with NO symptoms. I landed in the hospital, unconscious for one week, with sepsis. My family was told I wouldn't make it through the first night. However, the hospital doesn't realize how stubborn I am and I fought like hell.

Two weeks after discharge, I started having pain in my bladder area and knew immediately it was another urinary tract infection - pop those antibiotics.

Then two weeks after ridding myself of my bladder infection, I caught a cold which almost immediately has settled in my lungs. I have been super careful to stick to a regimented schedule of breathing treatments and medications to ensure this doesn't turn into pneumonia.

Precautions I use in my home

This is what I want you to read and think about. Something may seem extremely simple but with complications, may kill you. Lung Cancer is not just about treatments, radiation, and surgery. We must take precautions every day. Hand sanitizer should be all over your house to kill germs - all germs. I spray my house with Lysol weekly. Furniture, cabinet handles, doorknobs, countertops. Anything that I pass. And with doing all this I still had two urinary tract infections and a cold/bronchitis. There really is not much more I can do but at least I know I am doing my best.

If you are in a position where you see a lot of people, you may even want to consider a mask. I see people with masks everywhere. Full disclosure - I don't use a mask because no matter how I adjust it, it fogs up my glasses. All you have to do is ask your oncologist and they will probably give you a box of masks.

Protect yourself and your health

To help protect yourself, also drink orange juice regularly, take a multivitamin, eat a balanced diet, and avoid all sick people. Because the bottom line is for most it's not the Lung Cancer that kills them but another complication. Help protect yourself by taking proper precautions against illnesses.

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.