Chasing a Puppy Led to My Lung Cancer Diagnosis

Hello! My name is Cathy. This is the first I've gone into detail. I use to keep a journal with all that went on, then I stopped. Back in July I think I was chasing my puppy that got out from the gate. I had had shoulder replacement 6 months and it failed so I always protected my right shoulder the best I could.

Chasing my puppy led to my diagnosis

My pup Jake got back in the yard. So I tried to jump a 3 foot fence landing on my shoulder hitting my head, but I caught Jake! Went for a CT on the shoulder and then seen a 2 1/2 spot on my lung. This was September 2019. Friday after the CT scan, a doctor called me and said, I didn't want you to go the weekend worrying about your results. You do have lung cancer and it is not good. Your regular doctor will be in touch Monday.

In total shock at my diagnosis

I stood frozen looking out my back door at my grandson playing. I thought I have to get my son here to get him. I can't cry in front of my grand baby. Next, I was getting test biopsies and scheduled for surgery. By January I had surgery, 6 rounds of chemo and 30 rounds of radiation. I was 56 and turned 57 during treatment.

The effects of radiation

The radiation destroyed my hips both replaced and my shoulder replacement again. The left hip I had 2 surgeries. My esophagus has to be stretched every couple of months. My puppy saved my life! I'm currently in remission and go for my next CT scan in December. Wish me luck!