I Had to Quit My Job

In 2011, I lost my job with the federal government where I had worked for the housing authority in a nearby city. Losing that job was a difficult period in my life, and I struggled to find employment again.

It was frustrating and discouraging, but after years of searching, I finally landed a great part-time job in 2014. The role wasn't full-time, but the pay was equivalent to what I had been earning before, so I was grateful for the opportunity.

From having a career to life-altering diagnosis

I started in April of that year, feeling like things were finally turning around for me. However, by June, I began experiencing strange symptoms, and it became a daily challenge. By September, the symptoms had worsened.

I developed a persistent cough, and the wheezing worsened. Despite going to the doctor, I was only diagnosed with asthma, and the treatments they prescribed didn't help.

In November, I was at work when things took a turn for the worse. It became difficult to even get up from my desk and walk to the bathroom. I had tightness in my chest and difficulty breathing, and I knew something was seriously wrong.

Then, one day, I ended up in the ER. I was admitted to the hospital, and just a few days later, I received the shocking diagnosis: stage 3B lung cancer. That moment changed everything.

The hard decision to quit my job

I really wanted to keep my job. I had fought so hard to find employment after losing my previous position in 2011, and it felt like I had just started to get my life back on track. My new part-time job was going well, and I felt hopeful about my future.

With the diagnosis, I quickly realized that continuing to work wasn't going to be possible. I would be away from work for long periods due to the numerous doctor's appointments, tests, and treatments that lay ahead.

Chemotherapy and radiation were about to begin, and I knew that would take over my life for at least a month. Even after that, I wasn't sure what side effects I might experience or whether I'd be physically capable of returning to work.

Fatigue, nausea, and a weakened immune system were all common side effects that could prevent me from maintaining a normal schedule. On top of that, I would still need ongoing appointments with my oncologist and my care team.

As much as I wanted to hold on to my job, I had to face the reality that it just wouldn't work. Quitting my job was the best decision for my health, but it wasn't an easy one.

It left me feeling heartbroken and sad as if all the progress I had made to rebuild my life after years of struggle had been undone by this terrible illness. It was a bitter pill to swallow, but my health had to come first. I realized that if I tried to continue working, the constant stress of balancing work and my health would be too much. I had to prioritize my well-being.

So, I decided to apply for Social Security Disability. Thankfully, I was approved. The amount I receive isn't much, but it alleviates the stress of returning to work and taking time off for the many medical appointments.

Finding purpose

I still wanted to find purpose and make a difference, so I made the decision to become a lung cancer advocate. My new mission was to share information, bring awareness, and educate others about lung cancer.

Through advocacy, I found a way to continue being productive and positively impacting the world, even though I wasn't working in a traditional sense. It gave me a sense of fulfillment, knowing that I was helping others by raising awareness about this often-misunderstood disease.

Focusing on my health while advocating for lung cancer became a way for me to fight back against the illness, not just for myself but for others facing the same battle.