Real Patients. Real Stories.
Our community of lung cancer fighters and survivors are changing statistics. Read empowering stories below and become part of our community today.
Meet Diane.
My name is Diane Chalifoux and I am a lung cancer fighter.
I remember the day my doctor told me I had lung cancer, it felt like I had been slapped in the face. It was 2017 and I had been experiencing severe back pain, so bad that it forced me to quit my job. After seeing my doctor and undergoing a number of tests, the diagnosis shocked me – stage 3 lung cancer. All I remember after that is the tears that came along with my diagnosis: how was I going to tell my family, my friends?
Initially, I was given traditional treatment options of chemotherapy and radiation. This took a toll on my health, but I knew it was an important first step in my fight. When my doctor later introduced a new treatment option, I was instantly optimistic.
Since starting immunotherapy I have energy again – I was even able to go back to work two days a week. Getting back to myself and my life has been so important to me and it would not have been possible without my incredible doctors and nurses, the support from my friends and family, and the amazing treatment options that are slowly becoming available for lung cancer patients like me.
People always ask me, what does survivorship mean? Lung cancer survivorship means another opportunity to live my life, to do the little things like spending time with my loved ones. I will never stop fighting for these little moments; it is my hope that with new treatments like immunotherapy, others will join this fight with me.
In their own words.
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How has lung cancer impacted you? What does survivorship mean to you? Share your story. Lung cancer patients have the right to become cancer survivors. We want to hear from you.
Meet Bonnie.
In April of 2016, at 70 years young, I was rushed to the hospital with what I thought was a heart attack. After many tests, it was decided that I had a gall bladder attack and my heart was fine. However, during the ultrasound a spot was discovered on my left lung. My diagnosis took four days and my doctors found I was in the very early stages of lung cancer.
Despite having quit smoking 20 years earlier, my cancer seemed to be growing at an alarming rate. I was sent to a marvellous surgeon who wanted to remove my cancer immediately. After my microscopic surgery I spent only two weeks in the hospital. At home, I was absolutely amazed at how little pain or discomfort I felt.
Soon, I will be celebrating my one year anniversary cancer free. I feel fabulous! I cannot thank my doctors enough for all the wonderful care I received. I am one very luck lady who has come home to enjoy the rest of my life!