Nancy D., CA

My journey has really opened my eyes to the gaps in health awareness, especially when it comes to lung cancer. It's something that doesn’t get discussed enough, and I want to change that.  

On November 7th, 2022, my life was forever changed. I will never forget hearing the words, “You have lung cancer.” It was a moment that took me completely by surprise. Like many of you, I always thought lung cancer was something that happened to other people who smoked, or those who had certain risk factors that I didn’t have. I was young, healthy, and active. I was always on top of my health regular checkups, yearly exams, and if anything, ever felt off, I made sure to see my doctor.

At first, my doctors brushed off my symptoms, thinking it was just seasonal allergies or the lingering effects of long-term COVID. But when my cough wouldn’t go away and the pain in my shoulder kept getting worse, I knew something was off. I didn’t think it was anything serious—I figured it was just a muscle strain or something minor. But after weeks of discomfort, I couldn't ignore it anymore, so I went in for a checkup. They did an Z-ray, and that’s when everything changed. The doctors recommended further testing, including a biopsy. A few days later, I got the news that I had Stage 4 ALK-positive non-small cell lung cancer. It’s a rare and aggressive form of cancer that mostly affects non-smokers, like me. My oncologist explained that the cancer was triggered by a gene that’s usually dormant in most people, but for reasons we don’t fully understand, it had become active and turned cancerous. I had never smoked, I wasn’t in any of the high-risk categories for lung cancer, so hearing this news was a huge shock. 

I went through so many tests, MRIs, CT scans, biopsies to check for biomarkers. When the PET scan results came back, it really hit me. The cancer hadn’t just been in my lungs; it had metastasized. It was in my right lung, my spleen, my ribs, my left shoulder, my spine, and even my brain. It felt like it was everywhere. Seeing it all laid out like that was so overwhelming, and it was hard to process just how far it had spread. 

It was a lot to take in. I remember thinking, “How could this happen to me?” But as hard as this diagnosis has been, it's also led me down a path I never imagined. I've had to learn so much, not just about my health, but about myself, too. It’s been a reminder of just how important early detection is, and how much we sometimes take our bodies for granted until we experience a life changing event.  

I’ve been on targeted therapy for two years now. This treatment is meant to target and block the specific mutation that’s fueling the cancer’s growth. The good news is it’s working, and it has allowed me to be here for the birth of my grandson, which I’m beyond grateful for. But I know, I still have a long road ahead. 

One of the things I’ve become passionate about through all of this is the importance of early detection—something that could’ve made a huge difference for me and so many others. Early lung cancer screenings are critical, especially for people who don’t fit the typical risk profile. I wasn’t a smoker, I stayed active, and yet, lung cancer still found its way into my body. That’s why I’m here today to help spread the message that lung cancer doesn’t discriminate. It can affect anyone, no matter what.  

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the U.S. for both men and women. Yet, it receives less funding and fewer screenings compared to other cancers. Early detection is crucial, and we need more resources to make sure everyone has access to the screenings they need.  

I’m determined to use my experience to raise awareness, inspire others, and advocate for better screenings and earlier detection. Lung cancer can affect anyone, and together, we can make sure more people have the chance to catch it early.   

My story shows why increasing funding for the CDC and NIH matters. More funding means more research, which helps with early detection. Catching things early can give people a better chance at treatment and a longer life. 

By being here and talking about my own journey, I hope to encourage others to take charge of their health and to not wait for the worst-case scenario to act. So many people out there who are quietly facing the same challenges, and we need to make sure they don’t feel alone.  

I am living with Stage 4 ALK-Lung Cancer and determined to use my experience to raise awareness for early lung cancer screenings, education, research, and more resources. No one should ever have to hear those words: “You have Stage 4 lung cancer.”