I was diagnosed on June 15th, 2023 with Adenocarcinoma lung cancer ALK mutation. My only symptom leading up to diagnosis was back pain from what we thought was a pulled muscle or slipped disk from exercising. I was previously a very healthy mother of 2 kids very active sking, hiking, working out etc. It came as a total surprise for us as I had no risk factors that I knew of and was not a smoker!

At diagnosis I had metastatic lesions in my spine, femur, liver, lymph nodes, brain and primary site of tumor was right lower lung. With ALK I feel so fortunate that there are targeted therapy drugs called TKI's (Targeted Kinase Inhibitors) which shut the mutation off, and my body heals. However, the cancer will never fully be gone, it is dormant. For now, I have no metastatic lesions my visceral body and brain anymore! My bones are healing and my primary tumor continues to shrink. Physically, I am back to most of my normal activities. I feel incredibly grateful I am able to particpate in all of the things that bring me joy such as hiking, skiing, traveling, volunteering and most importantly, watching my kids grow up!

The reality for me is that eventually the cancer will get smarter, and it will change and new spots will emerge. I will have to change medication, have radiation or possibly chemotherapy, unless new drugs and possible curative solutions are discovered! I have hope that new technologies will be developed that will turn this dismal disease into a chronic life long condition or possibly cured! Please join me during LCAM. Your donations to ALK Postive will go directly to emerging researchers and clinical trials! 

#MoreResearch #MoreLife #StrongerTogether

Thank you all for your support! Much love to you all! xoxo Allison