- Lung cancer
- Interviews
TL's interview
How did all start?
I was having a difficult time breathing. My respirologist did a bronchoscope on November 1st and found 2 bacteria growing and taking over my lungs. I had been coughing up blood for over a year and my gp kept telling me it was chest infection. The bronchoscope didn't show any cancer. It wasn't until the second one, when a CT scan showed that my right lung was collapsed and the doctor decided to do another bronchoscope on January 24th.
Do you already have a diagnosis? How long did it take you to get it?
I was diagnosed on January 31st. They know for sure that it wasn't there in November or December. It showed up in January.
For what medical specialties have you been treated? What has been the most useful specialty for your?
I have had 18 chemo treatments, 15 radiation treatments on my lung and 10 radiation treatments on my brain as a preventative measure.
What has been the most useful thing for you so far?
I am not sure yet. I have to go for my CT scan on September 26th and see my oncologist on October 5th.
What have been your biggest difficulties?
Financial burdens have been my biggest difficulty. I had a full time job that I can no longer do, so the financial obligations have fallen on my husband alone.
How has your social and family environment reacted? Have your social or family relationships changed?
I have been blessed with an extreme amount of support from all of my family and friends.
What things have you stopped doing?
I have had to stop working. I can't do anything that is very strenuous, like walking up stairs or going for walks.
What do you think about the future?
I think it looks bright. I'm a very positive person and have been so throughout my treatments. I'm not going to let cancer kick me down if I can help it!
So far, which years have been the best years in your life? What have you done during them?
Last year was a great year. Our first grand baby was born and our son got married.
What would you like to do if you didn’t have your condition?
I would love to be able to go back to work and live a "normal " life.
If you had to describe your life in a sentence, what would it be?
Wonderful that I am alive everyday!!!!
Finally, what advice would you give to a person in a similar situation?
I would tell them to be as positive as you can. The more positive you are, the better chance you have of kicking cancer's butt. Also, live every day like it's your last. You are the only one with the power!!!
