I first want to thank God for the opportunity to share my story. In July 2020, a CT-SCAN revealed a nodule on the upper right lobe of my lung. The scan was a follow up to post radiation therapy for squamous cell tonsillar cancer treated in 2017. After an inconclusive biopsy was performed, a pulmonary resection of the affected lobe was suggested. During the surgery, other nodules were found as well as a spot on my diaphragm. All, but one, were diagnosed to be metastatic squamous cell carcinoma. I asked the surgeon at what stage was the cancer, and he informed me it was stage IV.
Philippians 4: 6-7 “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus”. Upon hearing the doctor’s report, God’s peace became evident. Not once have I felt despondent in any way. Knowing He is in control, and being comfortable with the Stephenson Cancer Center medical staff, worrying would not have served in my best interest.
Next, came a combined chemo and immunotherapy treatments. Again God blessed me not to suffer any side effects. After six rounds of chemo, I am still being treated with Keytruda immunotherapy.
In 2004, I lost my younger sister after an eight year battle with cancer. I often wonder how she would have fared with immunotherapy. I fully support continued lung cancer research. To God be the glory.
