A non-smoker, physically fit with new shoulder pain, suddenly unable to stand upright, two trips to Urgent Care and a spine x-ray revealed a thoracic vertebral fracture with a tumor along the spine pressing on my spinal cord. The merry-go-round of diagnostic testing began to determine the location of the primary tumor and other areas of metastasis.
Five years ago this November, I heard words I never thought I'd hear...YOU HAVE LUNG CANCER! The PET scan revealed that the primary site was in the lung with metastasis to the spine, scapula and skull. The biopsy determined that it was Non-Small Cell Adenocarcinoma. I began palliative radiation to the spine and scapular tissue while waiting for the biomarker results to determine next steps. They determined that my tumor biomarkers were treatable with targeted therapy. I started on Tagrisso (AstraZeneca) the beginning of December 2021. My scans have shown no evidence of active disease (NED) since March 2023!
I have been involved with the LUNG CANCER CONNECTION since my first cancer anniversary in 2022. I have used my time since diagnosis to tell my story and educate others about the importance of prevention and early screening for lung cancer. If you have lungs, you can get lung cancer!
RUN WALK BREATHE is the Lung Cancer Connection's biggest fundraiser so I'm celebrating my 5th Cancer Anniversary asking for YOUR donation to help me support their mission. You can learn more about that at lungcancerconnect.org
Comments