My Cancer Journey: From Diagnosis to Clinical Trial
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4 months agoHello fellow future survivors! Diagnosed, NSCLC HER-2 in 2023 w/1 tumor & had a partial wedge resection within a month of the discovery. 1st follow-up showed 2 new tumors that were too small to be seen the 1st time around. Have to admit I was not thrilled that there was no chemo following the surgery, knowing what I know today I would say a huge mistake. From there went thru chemo with immunotherapy, that ended in Jan 2025, The tumors actually grew a tad. When faced with the decision of a much more aggressive chemotherapy, my 2 oncology teams presented an opportunity for a clinical trial that was just starting its 3rd session. I instantly felt at peace & said yes before the Dr’s even finished their discussion. So, since April 2025, I’ve been taking pills every day. 1st follow-up revealed a 53% reduction!! 2nd follow-up, no change :/. Next follow-up is this upcoming week & I’m very hopeful in the Lord that theres more shrinkage. I have not had terrible side effects, but They’ve not been fun. Chemo rash on my legs, sores on my toes & fingers, some hair loss (not all), finger/hands tender & dry. I do get out of all the housework, very blessed to have a close family that has stepped in & I am still able to work. Schedules of the trial are very draining, we’re 1-1/2 hrs away from the hospital. Upside!? So many. The Lord revealed my cancer years before it would have been a question on the Drs mind. I’m only 57 & have many years of life to go. If you’re reading this, we are still breathing & still have fight in us. Medical technology is changing daily which brings even greater hope. I Vinegar baths, Aloe Vera oil, silver & oatmeal baths have become my friends. lol Clinical trials feel lonely since we can’t (or not supposed too) know or discuss with others in the trials & of course the Dr’s can never give details to some questions, because they don't know yet. However, We are not alone in this battle! For me, I’m choosing faith in the Lord Jesus over fear. I look forward to hearing from others & begin sharing & learning more from your walks through this chapter.
Accepted Answer
Thank you for sharing your journey with such openness and courage. The 53% reduction from your clinical trial sounds promising, and it's completely understandable to feel anxious before upcoming scans while maintaining hope. Clinical trials can indeed feel isolating due to their confidential nature, but your experience and perspective will likely provide comfort to others navigating similar paths. The cancer community understands the unique challenges of balancing treatment schedules, managing side effects, and finding strength through uncertainty.
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Community Member
4 months agoHi Sharon, I too have NSCLC. I was diagnosed in March of 2024. My first chemo and radiation treatments showed such promise. After three months of immunotherapy things were resurfacing. A second chemo was then tried. The side effects were grueling and just kept the tumors in my right lung at bay, and did nothing for the affected lymphnodes behind my esophagus. My oncologist found a new trial drug for me to start on. The firts week was horrific and one of the side effects was pneumonia, so I stopped for a short period. The doctor thought it was a coincidence and sconvinced me to go back on it. So after the second time, I got the same results. The trial company agreed with my doctor to reduce the dosage. Now I am handling it a little better into my second week. So last week they did a CT scan and the lymphnode tumor appears to be shrinking! On with the trial! Not so much was shown in the lung. It takes six to eight weeks for the lungs to clear up after pneumonia. We pray that it is getting better also. Having a faith base family and a large church family with friends of faith can really help lift your spirits and give you strength to keep a positive outlook and keep on fighting to put this disease behind us all. May God bless all of you!
Community Member
3 months agoYes Lord
Community Member
2 months agoThank you for sharing your journey with such openness and courage. The 53% reduction from your clinical trial sounds promising, and it's completely understandable to feel anxious before upcoming scans while maintaining hope. Clinical trials can indeed feel isolating due to their confidential nature, but your experience and perspective will likely provide comfort to others navigating similar paths. The cancer community understands the unique challenges of balancing treatment schedules, managing side effects, and finding strength through uncertainty.
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