After experiencing a chronic cough for six months that progressively worsened, I was diagnosed with Stage 4A lung cancer with a HER2 mutation in July 2023. Initially, my symptoms were attributed to uncontrolled LPR (silent reflux), a condition I had managed for over seven years. During this time, my breath sounds remained normal until June 25, 2023, when I went to the ER due to difficulty breathing on my left side. I was diagnosed with a large left pleural effusion, and a CT scan revealed a 9 cm mass in my left upper lobe.
Everything moved quickly after that. During a four-day hospital stay, I underwent thoracentesis, a biopsy, and staging. My first chemotherapy treatment was on July 17, 2023. Despite three rounds of chemotherapy and multiple thoracenteses, my condition worsened. A follow-up scan showed disease progression, prompting a switch to a targeted ADC chemotherapy specifically for my rare HER2 mutation. This treatment stabilized the cancer, with all original masses and nodules becoming undetectable on scans. In March 2024, a new 5-6 mm nodule was identified but has remained unchanged, so it is being monitored. I continue treatment every three weeks.
Thanks to this progress, I’ve greatly improved and am able to enjoy life again. I spend time with family and friends, garden, and travel. Since my diagnosis, we’ve taken memorable trips, including Disneyland with our grandson, a road trip along the West Coast with hiking in the mountains, and a summer trip to London and Paris with our youngest daughter and son-in-law.
This journey has been a rollercoaster, but I’m grateful for an incredible support system and an outstanding medical care team. My husband Chris, our three daughters, two sons-in-law, and our amazing grandson have been my rocks and advocates. Advances in cancer research and treatment give me hope, as new therapies are being developed and approved more rapidly than ever. Every day brings us closer to a cure.
#JustBreathe #LiveYourBestLife
