[My cancer story]

I was 36 years old in March 2022 when I had an mri for an unrelated issue on my neck (a hunch back? They were checking for a mass in my neck). They called me to say my neck was fine but they saw a 1.6 cm nodule in my upper right lobe.  They wanted to do a CT. To be honest I didn't take it seriously and life is busy... I didn't get the CT until May 2022. The CT showed a 1.6 cm mass that had lobulated edges.  The Dr said we should move forward with a biopsy. I had issues with insurance referrals... August 16, 2022 I had a biopsy. I had a hard time with the biopsy. I was taken aback when I began coughing up a pillowcase full of blood. August 25th the Dr told me over the phone that the tumor tested positive for cancer.  I felt like I was being watched over,  it was the grace of God that my tumor was even found. I had zero symptoms when I was diagnosed. By the time I had surgery on October 12th, the tumor had grown to 2.4 cm. I had the RATS Lobectomy and was released after 3 nights. The worst part was the chest tube.  I was in so much pain they kept giving me pain medication but then I'd throw up all my food. Once they removed the chest tube I got significantly better.  I expected to not be able to do anything for myself after surgery but recovery was better than I expected.  My husband was able to take off 5 weeks of work to be with me. I was out of work for 2 months.  Today,  I am 6 months out and still trying to heal and adjust to the fact that this is my new life.  I'm in search of a local support group if anyone knows of one in so cal. Thank you! 

[Hi I'm Bri!]

Thanks Lily. I don't know if they tested it for mutations but I'm sure I could ask my surgeon or oncologist and find out.  They did do all of the genetic testing though (my mother also had breast cancer at a young age)  and I was negative for all of them.  

As for walking,  I'm walking about 10,000-12,000 steps a day.  I teach kindergarten. I find myself extremely exhausted daily.  I'm definitely not who I used to be and I'm just having trouble coping. I also have a 9 year old and 13 year old.  

I didn't have any types of therapy.  They said because of the size of the tumor and the staging, that I didn't need it. They never even offered it.  They said the standard treatment plan is what they follow (they gave me a sheet that showed each path)  and told me it wasn't necessary. I'm scared of it recurring.  The Dr also told me I have inflammatory bronchialitis but I have been extremely ill since surgery (had bronchitis twice and possibly pneumonia)... it's my students getting me sick! 

[Hi I'm Bri!]

On August 25, 2022, I was diagnosed with nsclc. I am only 37 years old and a non-smoker. As you can imagine,  I was a bit blindsided. I definitely didn't expect it to be cancer.  October 12th I had a RATS Lobectomy. Today, I am 6 months out from surgery and already in remission (it was stage 1).  People keep wanting to celebrate that I made it 6 months cancer free but it doesn't feel like a celebration.  I'm trying to stay positive and look at the bright side of things but I'm having a hard time.  I'm hoping to talk to people who get it.  I also don't know what environmental factor caused my cancer and its driving me crazy.  I keep wondering if I'm still doing the same thing that caused it in the first place... I'm also having issues still with numbness across my stomach,  a lingering cough,  and get winded so easily.  All of the doctors keep saying I need to lose weight... but how?! Seriously! Lmk if you relate.  

-Bri