My cancer journey began with a trip to urgent care for a persistent cramp in my right abdomen. I will never forget the moment the doctor delivered the results of my CT scan stating that I had multiple metastasis and that I most likely had stage four cancer. A biopsy later revealed that I had Adenocarcinoma Non Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) with the ALK mutation and it had spread to my liver, lymph nodes, bones and spine. This diagnosis came as a complete suprise to us. I was a very active, 44 year old healthy mother of a 6 year old who had no risk factors and was a nonsmoker. ALK has no known cause and, unfortunately, no cure.
I am very fortunate that ALK is treated with targeted therapy drugs called TKI's (Targeted Kinase Inhibitors) which shut the mutation off and shrink the tumors. I have been on my TKI, Alectinib for 16 months now and am currently NED (No Evidence of Disease) I am extremely lucky to have had a complete response to the treatment. However, the cancer is not cured...it is only dormant for now...
Alectinib is a very powerful drug so I don't feel amazing most days, but remain strong and hopeful for my future. I am incredibly grateful that I am still alive to participate in everything that gives me joy including working out, golfing, hiking, traveling, paddle boarding, volunteering for Madelynn's many activities and most importantly, watching her grow up!
The reality for me is that eventually the cancer will build a resistance to the medicine and will start to grow again. I will then have to change treatment, have radiation or chemotherapy, unless new drugs and possible curative solutions are discovered! I remain hopeful that new advancements developed due to research funding will turn this devastating disease into a chronic life long condition or even cured!
My diagnosis has given me new positive perspective of life and has taught me the following:
- Live in the moment - Cancer has taught me to appreciate the simple things and live fully in the present.
- To be more empathetic - Cancer has taught me to understand people's problems and be more compassionate.
- To be strong - Cancer has taught me what it means to be strong and that I can overcome anything.
- To be grateful - Cancer has taught me to be thankful for what I have and to count my many blessings.
- To be positive - Cancer has taught me that being positive is the best medicine and that I can change my attitude.
Please join me during Lung Cancer Awareness Month. Your donations to ALK Positive will help foster collaboration among top minds in cancer research, enable sponsorship in crucial clinical trials, and will drive innovation that will redefine the landscape of cancer treatment.
Thank you so much for your support and prayers!
Love and hugs, Stacey
Please visit ALK Positive for more information. https://www.alkpositive.org/
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