Lindsay W., a 42-year-old mother of two, shares her harrowing and inspirational journey with metastatic or stage 4 lung cancer. In March 2022, she began experiencing severe pain in her side. Initially, she thought it was a muscle strain, but after three agonizing days with constant pain, she decided to visit the emergency room, suspecting gallbladder issues. Although her blood work and initial tests seemed normal, further scans revealed fluid in her lungs and potential pneumonia.

However, Lindsay’s doctors made a more alarming discovery. They conducted a CT scan which led to a shocking diagnosis: cancer. Initially, the doctors suspected ovarian cancer due to an elevated CA125 marker, but further investigation revealed that Lindsay had non-small cell lung cancer with an ALK-positive mutation. The cancer had metastasized to her liver, bones, kidneys, brain, and lungs. Her stage 4 diagnosis was unexpected, particularly because Lindsay had led a healthy, active lifestyle and had never smoked, challenging her perception and the stigma around lung cancer.

Doctors initially gave Lindsay only a few weeks to live. At that point, she was frail, weighing just 112 pounds and struggling with extreme fatigue and inability to eat or sleep. But amidst the bleak prognosis, she started to undergo targeted therapy treatments, which provided a glimmer of hope. Her doctors prescribed the targeted therapy drug alectinib, which within two weeks, showed remarkable results, reducing or stabilizing much of the cancer. They also set her up to receive different types of radiation treatments.

However, by September 2022, the alectinib had stopped working, and Lindsay’s condition worsened dramatically, leading to a ten-day stay in the ICU where it was found that her cancer had spread even further. The spread included hundreds of tiny lesions in her brain, known as leptomeningeal disease, a particularly challenging condition to treat.

At this critical juncture, Lindsay transferred to Emory University Hospital, thanks to the intervention of her boss. There, her life was saved through intensive care and treatment, including the introduction of a second targeted therapy, lorlatinib. This treatment, too, worked swiftly, nearly eradicating the cancer within two weeks.

Despite the life-saving benefits of lorlatinib, Lindsay faced severe side effects, including extreme fatigue, edema, vision issues, and significant cholesterol increases. These side effects required her to take additional medications, including stimulants and statins. Yet, Lindsay remains grateful for the treatment, as it allowed her to continue living, albeit with ongoing challenges.

Lindsay’s journey is marked by her resilience and determination to live for her children, fiancé, and stepchildren. She emphasizes the importance of maintaining a positive outlook and manifesting health, crediting journaling and daily affirmations for helping her through the darkest times. Her story has inspired others, leading her to share her experiences on social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram, where she provides support and encouragement to others facing similar battles.

A key message Lindsay shares is the importance of advocating for oneself in the healthcare system. She stresses the need for patients to be proactive, informed, and unafraid to seek second opinions or change doctors if necessary. Her persistence in finding the right oncologist and treatment has been crucial to her survival.

Lindsay’s story is a powerful testament to the strength of the human spirit in the face of life-threatening illness. Her advocacy and outreach continue to offer hope to others battling cancer, showing that there is always a reason to fight and hope for a better tomorrow.