Jill’s Journey to Beat Lung Cancer

Diagnosis shock

At the age of 48, my mom, Jill was diagnosed with Stage IV Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) Invasive Mucinous Adenocarcinoma (IMA). As a never-smoker with no symptoms, it was quite a shock to all of us. It was first seen inadvertently on a shoulder x-ray taken in September, 2016. Over the next several months she had lots of further testing, appointments, and then finally she was referred to the thoracic surgeon, who performed a mediastinoscopy and right-lower lobectomy on in January, 2017. We received the devastating news after this - it was confirmed to be cancer. A subsequent brain MRI, multiple full-body bone scans and abdominal CT scans provided good news - no metastasis outside of her lungs.

She still had nodules in both lobes of her left lung. After much consideration, and agreement from her oncology team, she underwent a second lung surgery in April, 2017 where an upper left wedge resection was performed. My mom then received four adjuvant chemo treatments over that summer, and finished her treatment with five sessions of Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT) in September of 2017.

A life-changing journey for Jill and family

My mom's Lung Cancer diagnosis changed our lives. We are very fortunate to have been able to be close to treatment and be able to receive the live-saving treatments she needed. She gets scans on a routine basis - I am so proud to say she has been stable since 2017 and is 2 years and counting as a Stage IV Lung Cancer survivor!!

This is a horrible disease that does not discriminate. I have a different appreciation for things now. My family and I cherish every moment we have together, and try to cross as many things as possible off the bucket list. The time we have with the ones we love should never be taken for granted. I love my mom more than anything in this world, she’s my hero. She’s a warrior!