Protecting My Mental HealthI have stage IV ALK-positive lung cancer with brain mets. Anyone affected by late-stage lung cancer faces symptoms of depression or a mental struggle. I have realized since my diagnosis...Reactions0reactionsComments6 comments
Effect of Depression on Inflammation and Lung Cancer Survival RateExperts know that both lung cancer and depression are linked to changes and inflammation in the immune system. In a 2023 study, a research team at the University of Ohio...Reactions0reactionsComments5 comments
My Time with Dr. Phil: Before the ShowIt was probably the summer of 2016 when I received an email from Pfizer’s PR team. They had asked me if I would be interested in appearing on the Dr...Reactions0reactionsComments5 comments
Metaphors for Cancer PatientsResearch has shown that metaphors can be helpful resources for talking and thinking about the experience of cancer. However, different metaphors suit different people or the same people at different...Reactions0reactionsComments3 comments
Waiting and Anxiety As My ConstantsThe targeted therapy I am on can treat my lung cancer but may harm other parts of my body. Aside from treatment, I have monthly blood tests, quarterly CT scans...Reactions0reactionsComments3 comments
Immunotherapy for ALK Positive Lung CancerAbout 5 percent of all lung cancers are ALK-positive. And about 30 percent of lung cancers in people diagnosed under age 40 are ALK-positive. People who develop ALK-positive lung cancer...Reactions0reactionsComments0 comments
I Was 46 Years OldWhen I was diagnosed with lung cancer, I was young - only 46 years old. The day I was diagnosed, I kept thinking about my oldest brother because he was...Reactions0reactionsComments1 comments
Sometimes, I Forget That I'm SickI was diagnosed with lung cancer in 2014. I was on the younger end of the spectrum compared to the average age of someone diagnosed, which is 70. I have...Reactions0reactionsComments7 comments
My 9-Year CancerversaryThis past December, I celebrated my 9-year cancerversary. While I am obviously thrilled to have lived way longer than I expected when diagnosed with stage IV lung cancer, this cancerversary...Reactions0reactionsComments8 comments
Using Artificial Intelligence in Lung Cancer ScreeningLung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide. This is partly because lung cancer is often found in later stages. It also can look like many other illnesses...Reactions0reactionsComments2 comments
Remembering Julie SwedbergWe are incredibly saddened to share that Patient Leader Julie Swedberg passed away on April 1, 2023. Julie was diagnosed with stage IV adenocarcinoma at age 41, and she went...Reactions0reactionsComments0 comments
Decision on TreatmentsI’ve been asked by newly diagnosed lung cancer patients how did I decide on my treatments. This is a good question because these newly diagnosed patients are lost, scared, and...Reactions0reactionsComments0 comments
Transitioning DoctorsWhen we discuss our experiences with doctors, the conversation can go through a level of peaks - it's something. Some have had interesting experiences mixed with good and bad, or...Reactions0reactionsComments0 comments
What Will Come After My First TKI?Living with lung cancer has changed my perspective on life. I have been interested in clinical studies as well as the different lung cancer treatment options for my ALK-positive biomarker. Being...Reactions0reactionsComments0 comments
Childhood to Adulthood: It's TimeMy sweet daughter turned 18 not long ago. I feel like I only blinked. Honestly, I was always so worried about lung cancer and the future that I found a lot...Reactions0reactionsComments3 comments
Bacterial Engineering - A New Approach to Lung Cancer Therapy?Bacteria play an important role in a person's immune system. Today, scientists are looking at ways to use bacteria to treat cancer and other illnesses. One research team at Columbia...Reactions0reactionsComments1 comments
My Cancer Journey Through The Beatles Song TitlesThe Beatles were a popular rock band formed in the 1960s. Their songs have lived on until now. My children and my 2-year-old grandson know their songs by heart. My...Reactions0reactionsComments1 comments
Cancer Treatment: Immunotherapy Versus ChemotherapyMore people may know of chemotherapy or "chemo" as a cancer treatment. But immunotherapy as a cancer treatment is gaining traction, and for good reason. Immunotherapy is a promising advancement...Reactions0reactionsComments0 comments
My Journey to the Hope SummitI have to share with you my first Hope Summit experience. It was amazing! But before I get into it, I must tell you how I learned about LUNGevity and...Reactions0reactionsComments10 comments
Patient Advocates Should Get More Involved and Engageed in Cancer Research!I was invited to talk to graduate students in the Department of Medical Physics at the University of Toronto, Canada. These students are pursuing their master's (MSC) and Ph.D. degrees...Reactions0reactionsComments1 comments
