On February 12, 2021, I was diagnosed with stage three squamous lung cancer. It impacted my life in many ways. I was given chemotherapy and radiation treatments for six weeks. The treatments didn't help. Another cancer cell was found, and additional chemo and radiation treatments were given to me. During this time, I had to take a medical leave of absence from my job. I was unable to take care of my disabled mother.
In September 2021, I received another diagnosis from my doctor indicating that the cancer metastasized into my gluteus muscle and was told I now had stage four lung cancer. I was given radiation treatment for three weeks, which resulted in me having to take another medical leave of absence from work. There were many times I could not eat, and I had difficulty sleeping.
My life was turned upside down. I went from being an active participant in my mother, daughter and grandchildren's lives, to being severely weak and unable to do for myself. From October 2021 to present, I've been taking two immunotherapy drugs.
In October of 2022, I was given the good news that my cancer was in remission. At present, I'm back to work, and I'm back to attending my granddaughters' activities, and caring for my mother.
