I was 37 years old when I was diagnosed with stage 4 non-small cell lung cancer with a HER2 mutation — something I never imagined would happen. I’ve never smoked, was super fit, and always took care of myself. The only reason we even discovered it was because of a cough that lingered for five weeks. After an X-ray, they found my entire lung was filled with fluid.
Hearing that I had lung cancer was a complete shock. My first line of therapy worked for a little while but failed after six months, so now I’m on my second line of treatment. There’s only one other viable option after this. Right now, I’m doing well on a targeted drug designed specifically for my mutation. I have some rough weeks with symptoms, but it’s manageable, and I’m still able to be active and travel — something I’m grateful to be taking full advantage of.
Samantha’s LifeList:
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Horseback riding in Wyoming’s Wind River Range