Hazel C., OH

On January 12, 2022, I went outside and inhaled the chilly air in Ohio. I had a cough—not a normal cough, but a bronchial cough. I knew all too well that I had suffered from bronchitis most of my life. On January 12 and 13, my costochondritis bothered me. My cough got worse.

In February 2022, I saw my doctor, who decided that, given my history of bronchitis, more testing was required. We first scheduled an X-ray, which confirmed what I already knew: bronchitis.

In March 2022, I saw the ENT, and the doctor found nothing. Three weeks after the ENT, I started coughing harder. Too hard. So hard that I could not talk. I could not hold a conversation. I would use the bathroom and start coughing and throwing up at the same time. I thought I was having a heart attack. I scheduled another telehealth appointment with my doctor.

April 2022, I was then scheduled for a CT scan. I saw the Gastroenterologist. Then, I had an esophagogastroduodenoscopy. GI found nothing. However, my CT scan found a spot on my right upper lobe, lung cancer. We talked. I cried. I got myself together and asked her what my next steps were. I told my son, and he said, “It’s going to be alright.”

In May 2022, I saw the pulmonary doctor. I saw the thoracic surgeon. My insurance company, Blue Cross and Blue Shield, requested a second opinion from Cleveland Clinic. I had a pulmonary ancillary test. I visited my lawyer to ensure all my documents were current. I had a biopsy. RUL Moderately Differentiated Adenocarcinoma Stage 1 Lung Cancer.

In June 2022, I saw the thoracic surgeon to go over the next steps for surgery.

On July 7, 2022, I had a VATS surgery for Stage 1 Lung Cancer at Cleveland Clinic Hillcrest to have my right upper lobe removed. I had ten lymph nodes removed, with no cancer found. No chemo. No radiation. No invasive treatments. I am on my 5-year survivorship journey. Having lung surgery did cause nerve damage. Every deep breath I take reminds me that I am a survivor. After my surgery, I was told my cough had nothing to do with my lung cancer. I needed to see an otolaryngology (ENT) and pulmonary specialist. Now, I am on a quest to find out why I continue to have this chronic cough.

In August 2022, Google University helped me find answers. I needed to confirm my findings, so I went to Urgent Care. After explaining my chronic cough and findings, the doctor said, “I have never heard of it. Are you sure it is not in your head?” All I could do was stare at the doctor. He gave me a prescription for cough medicine and sent me on my way. The medicine had no effect.

Afterwards, I saw the Pulmonology and Otolaryngology (ENT) specialist. I was told that my findings were correct. I have Laryngeal Hypersensitivity, better known as Cough Hypersensitivity. My chronic cough is due to nerve damage in my throat from a viral infection several years prior. The damage is permanent.

January 2023, I went for my first 6-month CT scan check-up. My thoracic surgeon noticed a small spot on my lower left lung. A nodule. However, too small to know.

July 2023, my CT scan indicated the nodule on my lower left lung had now grown to 5mm. What does this mean? Possible metastatic disease. I asked what I needed to do now. I was told I would need another CT scan in 3-4 months. If the nodule grows, I will need to see an Oncologist. When I told my son, he cried. Then, I cried.

November 2023, the CT scan indicated the nodule on my lower left lung was now 4mm. This has placed me under metastatic surveillance.

I am a non-smoker. I am thankful for my cough. If it were not for my chronic cough, only God knows when my lung cancer would have been found. I am blessed and thankful to have my PCP doctor at MetroHealth. She cared, and she listened to me. The process of elimination for early detection has saved my life. I am grateful for my insurance company, Blue Cross and Blue Shield, who provided me with a case manager and my TytoCare telehealth device. They offered medical research and applied that knowledge to lengthen my life.

I am still learning how to live with this life change. I know that life does not stop because of a change; it moves in a different direction. I participated in my first Lung Force Walk in 2024 with family and friends. I did my first Fight for Air Climb with my son in 2025. Praise God for another day in paradise to breathe.

Overall, I am fortunate to have medical coverage. If I did not have medical insurance, I would have had to depend on Medicaid. This is why we need to protect Medicaid for all people so they can have the same opportunity for health coverage. I listen to my body and will not take my health for granted. This is why protecting the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is essential. The CDC provides educational and health information to protect ourselves and our loved ones from diseases. My doctor and medical insurance company were vital in my healthcare journey. Both provided medical research to find out why I had a chronic cough, which led to finding lung cancer. The scan saved me. This is why protecting the National Institutes of Health (NIH) funding and research is very crucial for all. If my doctor had not decided to do a series of tests, I may not be here to tell my story.

Please do not take your health for granted. Love yourself and protect your health. Your body is your temple. The same reason you wouldn’t want a stranger to break into your home is the exact reason why you will do whatever it takes to stop disease and cancer from invading your body. I understand that it is sometimes difficult for patients to open up about their medical struggles. This is why the medical offices provide medical questionnaires. They are there to help and provide you with the assistance you need. We can do this together. We got this!

If you do nothing else, please ask for a CT scan.