An Open Letter to Lung Cancer
It is with great sadness that we inform you of the passing of Lisa Moran on June 6, 2023. As a cherished member of LungCancer.net and a source of inspiration, Lisa generously and bravely shared her journey, touching and inspiring many in our community. Her courage fuels our mission, and her legacy will endure in our work. Her absence will be deeply felt, and we extend our heartfelt condolences to all who held her dear. We consider it a privilege that Lisa allowed us into her life, leaving an indelible mark on our hearts and our community.
Dear Lung Cancer:
When we met four years ago, you were this ugly mess that unexpectedly invaded my body and life. You caused pain and heartache. I named the tumor on my spine, Steelers because you stole my health and pain-free life. I named the primary tumor in my upper right lung lobe, Bengals because you stole my breath.
Determination to beat you
Even with all the bad and negatives that came along with you, I decided immediately that I could beat you at your own game. I refused to let you determine my life. I had family and friends backing me. I had the power of prayer and positive thoughts and modern medicine on my side. I started treatments and I continued on with my life and career.
Right after my diagnosis and starting treatment, I had many months I was scared to make plans. I didn’t know what you would do between making plans to go somewhere and the actual date of the event. I was also scared about my treatment side effects and wondered if I would feel well enough to leave the house.
Within eight months of starting treatments, I proved that medicine, positivity and I were stronger than you. The Bengals, Steelers and hundreds of tiny nodules and tumors throughout both of my lungs were gone! You weren’t even visible on a scan.
We're always keeping tabs
You let me have a sigh of relief for about six months. Then you crept up again. I had been there before. Only this time, it wasn’t a complete blindside. I still had my support system of friends and family. But my team had grown in numbers. It has continued to grow with friends of friends and family along with strangers from around the world that have heard about or read my story.
My oncology team and I monitored your growth until it was time to pull a new tool out of the toolbox. The treatment I started then and I’m still on now has kept you stable for sixteen months.
If you can't beat them, join them
You know the saying if you can’t beat them, join them? You and I can coexist in my body. I’m continuing with my life and I’m making long term decisions. I’m planning my future, our future. I’d rather move on without you. But now we are a package deal.
I don’t know where you came from or why you picked me. I guess that’s why we can coexist. I never asked the, why me? question. Don’t get me wrong. I do hate you. I despise you. But at the same time, you have given me new friends and a new way to appreciate the little things and not sweat the small stuff.
So...thank you
We are still monitoring you. So don’t think you can get away with creeping up unnoticed. We’ll know and there are plenty of tools in my toolbox to keep you in line again. I didn’t want to sign this letter, Thanks. But there have been way more positives than negatives in my life since you came around.
Thanks,
Lisa
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