Hi, my name is Michael. I have small cell carcinoma, also known as small cell lung cancer. I received the news on June 8th, 2022, that I had a tumor in my colon. After seeing the oncologist the next day, I learned that the cancer had spread to my liver, bones, and ribs, with three ribs damaged because the cancer cells had eaten through the bone marrow. I wasn't given much of a chance.
I started chemotherapy with a four-day treatment followed by three weeks off, continuing this cycle for four months. After receiving my scans, I was told that the tumor had shrunk, so I began immunotherapy once every three weeks. Sadly, seven months later, I discovered I had a tumor in my left lung. I started chemotherapy again for another three months, combined with radiation to the cecum. After the radiation, my scans showed that I was NED (No Evidence of Disease).
Eight months later, seven lesions were discovered in the lymph nodes in my neck. I started chemo again, and when I had scans, the lesions had shrunk. As of today, I am waiting on the results of my MRI, and then I will begin radiation on my neck.
There are days that are hard, but I remind myself to never give up, no matter what. I am happy to have reached the two-year mark and plan on being here for the five-year mark.
