It was December 2019 and I was 24 years old when I was diagnosed with stage 4 NSC lung cancer with the ALK mutation. I had metastatic cancer, originating from the lungs and it had spread to my brain, lymph nodes, and the bones of my shoulder, it was a total shock. I had never smoked and there was no history of cancer in my family. My life was completely uprooted as I was pulled out of my developing career in journalism and went straight into treatment. Over the course of nine months or so I received radiation to the brain, bones and chest. I also had a lobectomy of the lower lobe of my left lung. I was put on anti-seizure and chemotherapy pills. I am currently on a trial of new chemo pills, and it has been going well. I am stable and return to MD Anderson once every 3 months for scans and bloodwork.
Sarah’s LifeList:
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Hang gliding course