I grew up in a smoking family. Back in those days, there was no education on the dangers of smoking. In fact, cigarette advertising campaigns on TV and in print were the norm. After many years of smoking, I decided to quit completely 25 years ago.
Then, in December 2019, after not feeling 100% for just a couple of weeks, I was diagnosed with Stage 1 and Stage 2 lung cancer. Yes, two different tumors in each lung. In early 2020, I underwent two surgeries, followed by chemotherapy. In 2021, they discovered a third tumor, so I had another surgery. In 2022, one more tumor was discovered, but this time, radiation was the only option because of the amount of scar tissue in each lung.
I have scans every six months, and I pray that I will never have another tumor. But this is the cost of living with lung cancer. There is always that chance another tumor will appear.
If we had only had more information and education about the dangers of smoking when we were young, my entire family would have benefited.
This is why I am an advocate for the American Lung Association and will always support them to help spread their knowledge about lung disease and how it can impact your life. I will always advocate for research funding and affordable, accessible health care to defeat lung disease. Because of the American Lung Association’s efforts, we can make a difference.
