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Sandra L., MA

On August 1, 2008 I was diagnosed with non-small cell lung cancer that had already metastasized to the chest lymph nodes. Stage 3B at this time. I had a right upper lobectomy of the lung, IV chemotherapy, radiation then more IV chemotherapy.

Things were okay until 2011 when cancer returned and went to stage 4. I then found out I had an EGFR mutation and went on a targeted therapy and rather than sit home my husband and I decided to sell our home, everything in it and got in our motor home and toured the country for two years. While on the road my husband's bladder cancer from 2007 had metastasized and he passed away in 2013.

I returned back to my Cape Cod community where I had family and friends. Then in 2015 my targeted therapy stopped working. I tried another targeted therapy and that stopped working after five months. I went into a clinical trial for eight months then went on a third targeted therapy. I'm still on that drug and feeling well and blessed at this time. This is why I feel the need to support the American Lung Association and support our LUNG FORCE Walk.

First Published: April 4, 2018

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