Shirley H., VA

I was diagnosed with lung cancer with mets to the bone, Stage 4 on October 7, 2013. I have worked as a Registered Nurse for 25 years. I had been complaining about back and leg pain, seeing doctors, and getting epidural injections. I had a clean MRI in January of 2013. I was trying everything to find relief. Visited Physical Therapy, doing what they asked. Pain after visits. Back pain increased and I was hammered with back spasms. Emergency room visit and insisting on a MRI in October 2013 revealed a fractured back from lesions. I am just finished One Year of oral chemo for targeted therapy. My family and friends have been an exceptional part of my survival. My attitude is fighting. I am calmer now and don't let my illness keep me from laughter. There is no cure for lung cancer. Prior to my diagnosis I knew one in eight women got breast cancer. Working with women I saw those odds. But I didn't realize that lung cancer was the #1 cancer killer of women. I'm sad that by the time I was diagnosed I didn't have a chance. I am hoping that more money goes into finding a lung cancer Cure.