In June 2014, after developing a cough that would not go away, I was diagnosed with inoperable non-small cell adenocarcinoma lung cancer. I began chemotherapy treatments a week after diagnosis which continued until April 2015. In May 2015, I had CyberKnife radiation treatment to the one remaining tumor (most likely the original tumor) located in my upper left lobe. At the time of my diagnosis in 2014, there were not many treatment options available for lung cancer. In 2018, I developed brain metastasis (mets) and was once again treated with CyberKnife radiation. Although I had no symptoms of brain mets, I had spoken with my oncologist about having a brain MRI because I had seen other lung cancer survivors develop brain mets. I believe strongly that you need to be your own health advocate, be an informed patient/survivor and prepare for your appointments. With the advancement of lung cancer research and after getting a second opinion in 2018, I found out that I have a rare mutation, BRAFV600E. In 2020, I developed more brain mets, which led to a craniotomy. 

Because of my involvement with LCI, I have been able to connect with other survivors and learn from their experiences and make some wonderful friends. I have spent my career in Air Quality and I know how important it is to protect your lungs. My doctors tell me that this has been to my benefit. January is Radon Awareness Month. Radon is prevalent in North Carolina, especially the mountains of Western North Carolina, where I reside.

I have a strong faith in God and believe we are survivors for a reason. My mottos through this cancer journey have been “I am grateful for every day” and “Plan Something” My husband and I continue to fulfill these mottos with a wonderful full travel schedule.