Lung Cancer Warrior
CurrentGet a chest x-ray annually. I’ll lead with that charge. On 12/22/20, at my annual physical, I had an x-ray done, at my doctors suggestion, due to some left side pain. There was a shadow. The next day I had a CT scan done to confirm a mass and fluid in my left chest cavity. I first met my Thoracic Surgeon on 12/29 where he informed me I had “at least” stage 3 lung cancer. I’ve never smoked and I’m still very active. I had a PET scan on 1/5/2021, met with my TS on 1/6, and had biopsy surgery on 1/7 at Duke Hospital in Raleigh, NC. My TS had removed 5 liters of fluid from my chest! He found my chest wall was compromised by the fluid. I was moved to stage 4. On 1/12/21 I met with my oncologist to discuss my plan. I was scheduled for my first chemo treatment on 1/15/21 just to get something going. I was told I had Adenosquamous (rare) Carcinoma. On 1/26/21 I returned to meet with my oncologist. She had received my Foundation One report which shows the comparative results of my biopsy. I was told I had a very rare gene mutation called ROS1, and that it is treatable with a targeted therapy drug. I would not have any further chemo treatments for the time being. I was prescribed Entrectinib to attack my cancer. Today I appear very normal. I am actively playing pickleball at a high level and putting up a very good fight against a formidable foe. I will keep pushing and do all I can for as long as I can to live a long and happy life. Cheers to strength and peace. Have you had a chest x-ray lately? 😉