In 2014, my doctor told me I had lung cancer. Needless to say I was shocked and couldn't believe it. Why? How could this be? It was a gut-wrenching moment. But soon enough, my reaction turned to, "Okay, so what's next and how do I fight this cancer."
The unknown journey, I thought, had only begun. The journey began with many tests to determine my diagnosis. I was diagnosed with Adenocarcinoma, stage 4, metastasized and placed on a targeted therapy. I take a pill a day to contain the tumors from growing. I was on this pill for two and a half years before my tumors showed resistance. A small portion of my tumor (biopsy) was examined last month a molecular tumor test to determine what would be my next treatment. I will be taking another pill a day to contain these tumors to prolong my life and my quality of life.
Lung cancer changes your life and I want to survive and to continue making memories with my husband, children, grandchildren, family and friends. I started to volunteer at the American Lung Association/LUNG FORCE and became an advocate for healthy lungs. It was shocking to learn that lung cancer is the number one cancer killer of women and that anyone can get lung cancer.
Now for past three years my husband has been my rock of support and has kept me thinking positively. My sisters have provided strong support. We joined up with LUNG FORCE Walk and had a blast raising funds, making wonderful new friends and just having a great time. Receiving such amazing, unconditional support from so many people, I feel it's now my responsibility to give back and I look forward to doing as much as possible as a LUNG FORCE Hero.
