Don’t Let Fear Win: You Are Stronger Than You Believe!

I was diagnosed on January 19, 2020. How could I never smoke, be in good health and get Lung Cancer? I still sit back some days in disbelief that I have had to fight Cancer. Lung Cancer Awareness is so EXTREMELY important. Early detection is so extremely important. I know this because I would have never known had it not been for myself getting a cough.

Being told you have cancer

There was no screening each year. No suggestive preventative measures are advised. My cough started simple, like any cough. I went to the Doctor. I was sent for an X-ray, and it showed nothing. A month or so later when the cough did not go away my doctor sent me for a CT scan. The next day my life changed. There it was and then I heard those words. YOU HAVE LUNG CANCER.

My treatment journey

I received Chemo for 3 months. My tumor did not shrink as much as I would have liked so my next option was surgery. I had my full upper right lung, as well as a portion of my lower right lung, removed. I then received radiation 5 days a week for 5 weeks. During my treatment of chemo, surgery, and radiation I was determined. This was not ok for me. I have a daughter I would keep repeating to myself.

I never waited during this time throughout my doctor visits. If there was a test I needed or a consultation my response was always, " ok let's get it done today". I would drive to the next county anywhere at any time to keep moving forward. I did not wait. I had to beat this.

Currently cancer-free

I am currently 17 months cancer-free. It has been a roller coaster of emotions, but I never let it win. My daughter is my life. I love my family and friends. I love life and I plan on living it to its fullest. What I have learned through this journey is life is wonderful. There are so many in our Lung Cancer community and although we may not have met in person, we are all connected. I hope my story inspires others to know there is hope and we're all in this together.