I was recently diagnosed with lung cancer (carcinoid tumor) and had 1/3 of my lower left lung removed in May, 2024. I am grateful for the surgeon who performed the surgery, and his knowledge of this rare cancer as well the continued excellent care I receive from him and his team. However; I was misdiagnosed for six years by other doctors and never referred to the Lung Cancer Department for a second opinion when I clearly should have been.
What I have learned since then about screening for lung cancer is highly upsetting to me due to my personal experience and having worked in the medical field. Given lung cancer is the leading cause of death in the United States there is currently inadequate cancer screening provided to the public. I would like to engage in an organization to bring about change and awareness in the hopes of saving lives.
I was one of the fortunate ones and even though I had lung cancer for most likely 10 years due to it being a slow growing cancer it was still Stage One. My heart goes out to those who are just finding out they have lung cancer and its already late stage as lung cancer often has no symptoms. I can't change the fact that I had lung cancer and that it cost me part of my lung, but I can help to make a difference and make this health situation have a positive impact for myself and others.
