Kristen Embraces Joy While Living with Stage 4 Small Cell Lung Cancer
Kristen never imagined that shortness of breath on the tennis court would lead to a life-changing diagnosis. In January 2025, she learned that she had small cell lung cancer. Despite the gravity of her condition, her perspective is unexpectedly positive and uplifting. She describes this time as the best period of her life. It’s been full of authenticity and has also given her opportunities for self-discovery and connecting with others.
Interviewed by: Nikki Murphy
Edited by: Chris Sanchez
Kristen’s initial symptoms were subtle — difficulty catching her breath while playing tennis and persistent shoulder pain. Her doctors initially thought her shortness of breath was due to open-heart surgery she’d had in the past. But she rushed to the ER following severe right-sided pain, where she was found to have a collapsed lung. Moreover, the doctors also found a Pancoast tumor, which is located atop the lung and almost always causes shoulder pain and arm weakness. Further tests confirmed Kristen’s small cell lung cancer diagnosis, and also found that it had already started spreading to her liver, abdominal wall, and eventually her bones.
Kristen’s treatment for small cell lung cancer has been intense. She underwent five rounds of chemotherapy, immunotherapy, radiation, and is now having monthly injections of bone-strengthening medicines. Side effects, especially the hair loss she experienced after her second round of chemotherapy, weren’t just physical changes but also posed emotional challenges. They were visible marks of her illness.
However, the loss of independence Kristen has experienced due to her small cell lung cancer has been even harder to face. She often needs help with even small, routine tasks like driving to the store or managing daily routines. This starkly contrasts with her former adventurous and self-reliant lifestyle.
Kristen’s resilience shines through, though. She’s found strength in her supportive community, especially her best friend and the BookTok family. Their encouragement and generosity uplift her spirit every day. She’s returning to work soon and gratefully acknowledges the role self-advocacy has played in her care. She urges others to realize that: “It’s your body. You know how you feel. Advocate for yourself.”
Through Kristen’s small cell lung cancer story, she wants to emphasize how crucial it is to listen to one’s body, seek — and accept — support, and embrace vulnerability. Her experience offers hope to anyone experiencing similar challenges.
Watch Kristen’s video and delve into:
- How her small cell lung cancer story unfolds from subtle symptoms to a nerve-wracking diagnosis
- The unexpected joy Kristen has found during her experience
- Losing her hair, but not her spirit: her candid look at life with cancer
- The power of self-advocacy through Kristen’s lung cancer story
- How her support network became her lifeline
- Name:
- Kristen P.
- Age at Diagnosis:
- 44
- Diagnosis:
- Small Cell Lung Cancer
- Staging:
- Stage 4
- Symptoms:
- Shortness of breath during tennis sessions
- Persistent shoulder pain
- Severe pain in right side
- Treatments:
- Radiation
- Chemotherapy
- Immunotherapy
- Bone-strengthening medicines
This interview has been edited for clarity and length. This is not medical advice. Please consult with your healthcare provider to make informed treatment decisions.
The views and opinions expressed in this interview do not necessarily reflect those of The Patient Story.
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