My lung cancer is "stable." But wait ... there's more.
My official diagnosis, received in August 2023, is Metastatic Adenocarcinoma Consistent With Lung Origin. It is also known as NSCLC: non-small cell lung cancer, Stage 4A, with exon 19 (DNA mutation). It is treatable but not curable. I've completed three chemo infusions and ten radiation treatments. That's why I'm ringing the bell and showing off my "completion" certificate. The cancer is considered "stable." However, in May 2025 I learned I have a secondary lung disease called mycobacterium avium. It, too, is treatable but not curable. I take a daily 3-antibiotic cocktail for that, starting in June 2025. I continue my daily oral chemo tablet, called Tagrisso, for the cancer, along with a handful of meds for blood pressure, chronic kidney disease and other issues. So far, my side effects are minimal and I continue to feel pretty good. For that, I give praise and honor to God, whom I trust with the plan for this journey. See what's new below; click on other pages for more. I tend to update after doctor visits and/or treatments.
What's new: 8/20/25
In the words of my oncologist, on the occasion of my 2nd cancerversary, "you're doing great!"
My, how much has changed in the past two years. In May 2023, my godmother died. I noticed a continuing ache in my back starting around that time and attributed it to stress. But the persistent throbbing sent me to my doctor, who sent me to get a chest x-ray, which led to a visit with the pulmonologist and a few more tests. In August 2023, I received a confirmed diagnosis of Stage 4 lung cancer. When I met my oncologist, she told me that people who go without treatment last for about 24 months. Well, here we are, 24 months later WITH treatment and God's grace, and as my oncologist said so succinctly: I'm doing great.
Oh sure, I still have fatigue, a little shortness of breath with activity, and an occasional cough that feels more like clearing my throat than producing phlegm. What I DON'T have is nausea, fever, hair loss, diarrhea or any of those other uncomfortable symptoms often associated with cancer, and for that I thank God.
No running around the block for me, but I do spend a lot of time going to medical appointments. In the past six weeks, I've seen my primary care physician, the podiatrist (twice), the cardiologist, the pulmonologist, the oncologist and had several tests, including a mammogram, a breathing test and a CT scan. That's not including the lab work and port flush. So I'm indeed active! I thank God for Medicare and good supplemental coverage.
As for my secondary lung infection, called mycobacterium avium, I've been taking the 3-antibiotic treatment cocktail for about two months now, and it's too soon to tell if it's having an impact on the "cavitary nodule" in my upper left lung. The treatment schedule is about a year, so a change should occur by then. The report for my recent CT scan said there is "no acute superimposed abnormality" in my upper left lung and the cancerous nodules in my lower left lung are "stable." In other words, not much has changed since the last scans in March, which amounts to good news. I'll get another scan in October.
All my other conditions -- including high blood pressure, chronic kidney disease and neuropathy (left foot) -- are also stable, controlled primarily with medication. I have a shelf in my closet that hubby refers to as my pharmacy. There are about eight prescription drugs and seven over-the-counter supplements. I literally use a spreadsheet to keep track of it all! But if it's keeping me alive and mobile, then I'll keep popping those pills three times a day.
Not related to my medical drama but certainly important to my mental health is another development that took place last month: my sister Donna passed away after a long battle with Parkinson's and Alzheimer's. She was also a breast cancer survivor. You may have seen my Facebook post about her. She was 67. It's a great blow to my spirit, but I'm comforted that she knew the Lord and had a great relationship with Him.
Updates are slow because not much changes until I have another round of tests and doctor visits. No appointments scheduled for September (hallelujah!), so look for "new news" in late October.