Living

Information on the importance of biomarker testing and actionable genetic mutations can be found in this more recent article. When I was diagnosed with metastatic adenocarcinoma of the lung, my...

Last night, between bouts of coughing fits, I had a sudden realization about the extraordinary privilege that has graced most of my life. I'm not talking about political or social...

As I neared the end of my last round of the trial drug I have been taking, I posted a snapshot of my face on Facebook with the text, "they...

When I was first diagnosed with lung cancer nine years ago, people would always tell me how lucky I was. I was lucky that my cancer was caught early. I...

As a moderator of numerous Facebook groups pertaining to lung cancer, I see the same question quite often - "can I drive myself/go by myself to chemotherapy." The short answer...

It was just a couple of months ago that I attended a seminar at our local Cancer Support Communities clubhouse on essential oils. Now, I have heard about essential oils...

I had posted some images of myself online, detailing the rash I was experiencing with my current treatment. The comments were fast and furious, mostly deeply sympathetic, though with a...

There seems to be a popular misconception that, having been treated for lung cancer, the tumor in my lung should have been removed. Indeed, when I was initially diagnosed, I...

Since I’ve been diagnosed, I’ve been a very good rule follower. I’ve scheduled all my appointments including labs, CT scans, brain MRIs, and bone strengthener infusions exactly when recommended by...

Our bodies can be funny things. They appear to have simple needs, yet they can react in amazingly complex ways when they do not receive those needs, or get them...

I recently saw someone ask how important it is to have a connection with their surgeon. It got me to thinking about it. My thoughts were a little different than those...

The cancer is going to do what the cancer is going to do. I can not control how it will respond to treatment. I can control my reaction to it...

When I walked into my office this afternoon and noticed the pair of hand weights collecting dust next to my desk, something clicked. I have been dropping the ball on...

I just came across an article in MedPage Today with the following headline: “Lung Cancer Screening or Smoking Cessation: Which is the Better Bet?” A subtitle stated, “Two lung cancer...

A year ago, my medical oncologist walked into the office and informed me that he was pulling me out of the trial that I had been in for four years...

I always thought that if I treated my body right, it would, in turn, respectfully return the favor. For the most part, I have eaten well-balanced meals and put in...

Going through lung cancer treatment is no picnic. The patient may feel ill, suffer from mood swings, and be generally disagreeable. It is not uncommon for patients to be angry...

Hi, my name is Yolanda. I’m the daughter of Eartha “Mae” Lawson... Funny as I write this I feel guilty stating my mother’s full name, as she couldn’t stand the...

Have you seen the commercial from the American Lung Association and Lung Force? If you have, were you offended? Well, you should have been because all you need to get...

I just read a draft of a blog post I wrote awhile back and the old children's song we used to sing in church came to my mind, "There's joy, joy...