Several months ago I was diagnosed with lung cancer.  Usually the next question is, how was it found?  Fortunately, my PCP recommended I get a chest xray every couple years at my annual physical. Three years ago a couple spots showed up. After annual CT scans we found that one spot grew this year.  I have never smoked or lived with anyone that smoked - so not related to that.

I got to have lots more scans and tests only to determine I had a cancerous tumor that needed to be removed. Throughout this journey my doctors all told me it was the best kind of tumor (doesn’t usually spread) in the best location (top right lobe). While explaining the surgery, my wonderful surgeon said to consider my top right lobe as a piece of raisin bread with only one raisin. He was going to remove the raisin with the least amount of bread, and use titanium staples to close me up. I feel fortunate that it was found when it was and it was easily removed.  My surgeon also explained the recovery was to get out and walk to retrain my lungs to work with their new capacity, which I do.

My message to you is don’t forgo chest X-rays because you don’t think you are at risk for lung cancer. It can happen to anyone!

I welcome you to donate and/or walk with my team at Pera or participate virtually.