shawkatie0 Posted April 10, 2015 Share Posted April 10, 2015 My name is Katie, and my mom is 61 years old. We are from Syracuse, new York. I just graduated college and began a new job in New Orleans, and was looking forward to my future. Until we found out she had Stage IV NSCLC. The diagnosis was unbelievable and we had no clue it was even possible. How could someone who has never smoked, is otherwise healthy, and is relatively young end up with a diagnosis of lung cancer? I have since moved home and been helping out, but every day is different, and every day is terrifying. My mom tested ALK positive and is currently on crizotinib. So far, she seems better. Less short of breath, able to move around better. But I am determined to do everything possible. Anyone else have any experience living with Stage IV NSCLC? Anyone familiar with the ALK positive test/therapies? Anyone have any hopeful information or stories? I would love to get to know each and every one of you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Donna G Posted April 10, 2015 Share Posted April 10, 2015 Hi Katie. Glad you found us. Boy you are a wonderful girl to give up your new job to go home and help with Mom. No one deserves Cancer. It is a tough disease. Most people that are diagnosed with lung cancer do not smoke. Many, many, never ever smoked. There are other causes besides smoking. Glad to hear she is tolerating her treatment and is feeling better. Where did the cancer spread to ? Is she receiving any ofher treatment ? Please keep us posted on how she is doing. Also how you and your family are doing. Donna g Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shawkatie0 Posted April 10, 2015 Author Share Posted April 10, 2015 Hi Donna, Thank you so much for reaching out. It feels wonderful knowing we are not alone and that there is an entire community going through similar things. Right now, she has mets to the bone and liver. Since the diagnosis is pretty new, right now she is just taking the crizotinib. April 22 she will receive her first scan after starting the treatment to see how things are progressing. Hope all is well with you and your loved ones! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Donna G Posted April 10, 2015 Share Posted April 10, 2015 Katie April 22 will be coming up soon. I hope the results show improvements also. Waiting for another update. Donna G Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CindyA Posted May 5, 2015 Share Posted May 5, 2015 Hi Katie, welcome to the LCSC message boards. As Katie mentioned above Matt's video is very inspiring. I hope you were able to watch it. Please keep us posted on how you and your mother are doing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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