Ashley’s Stage 4 Lung Cancer Story
Interviewed by: Taylor Scheib
Edited by: Chris Sanchez
Ashley, a 36-year-old mother of two, living in Northern California, shares her experience of being diagnosed with stage 4 non-small cell lung cancer.
Ashley had initially experienced trouble swallowing, chest pain, shortness of breath, fatigue, and swelling in her body. Prior to her diagnosis, she dealt with repeated misdiagnoses and medical gaslighting. Specialists brushed off her symptoms as due to work stress or anxiety, or misdiagnosed her with conditions like asthma, pneumonia, and long COVID. It wasn’t until a trip to the emergency room, where doctors discovered blood clots and conducted a CT scan, that her lung cancer was revealed. It took Ashley by surprise; she had no history of smoking and was otherwise healthy and very active and athletic.
Ashley reflects on the biases in healthcare, particularly against people who don’t fit traditional risk profiles for lung cancer. She explains how her healthy appearance and lack of smoking history contributed to doctors dismissing her symptoms for over a year. She believes that this is a systemic issue in healthcare, not just individual doctors’ fault. This is why she advocates for the importance of self-advocacy and trusting one’s body.
After her diagnosis, Ashley underwent chemotherapy, radiation, surgery to remove one lung, and immunotherapy treatments. She notes the importance of biomarkers in determining treatment for lung cancer. She does not have any biomarkers, which limited her options to immunotherapy, radiation, and chemotherapy. Her experience included serious side effects, including liver failure from immunotherapy. She had to stop immunotherapy and explored other treatment options, including clinical trials and further radiation therapy.
Ashley emphasizes the need for patients to advocate for themselves and seek second opinions. She shares her experience with various doctors, particularly the importance of one doctor making eye contact and truly listening to her concerns, which helped her feel validated.
Ashley’s journey has taught her the value of mental health support, palliative care, and integrative services, such as physical therapy and nutrition. She highlights the importance of having a support system, both in terms of healthcare providers and loved ones, to navigate the complexities of cancer treatment. Despite the challenges, Ashley remains proactive in managing her care and encourages others to stay informed and engaged in their treatment.
- Name:
- Ashley V.
- Diagnosis:
- Non-small cell lung cancer
- Staging:
- Stage 4
- Initial Symptoms:
- Trouble swallowing
- Shortness of breath
- Fatigue
- Loss of appetite
- Chest pain
- Swelling in her body
- Treatment:
- Surgery (removal of lung)
- Chemotherapy
- Immunotherapy
- Radiation
This interview has been edited for clarity. This is not medical advice. Please consult with your healthcare provider for treatment decisions.
Inspired by Ashley's story?
Share your story, too!
Related Cancer Stories
More Lung Cancer Stories
Yovana P., Invasive Mucinous Adenocarcinoma (IMA) Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer, Stage 1B
Symptom: No apparent symptoms
Treatment: Lobectomy of the left lung
Dave B., Neuroendocrine Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer, Stage 1B
Symptoms: Two bouts of severe pneumonia despite full health
Treatment: Lobectomy (surgery to remove lobe of lung)
Terri C., Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer, KRAS+, Stage 3A
Symptoms: Respiratory problems
Treatment: Chemotherapy (cisplatin & pemetrexed), surgery (lobectomy), microwave ablation, SBRT radiation
Heidi N., Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer, Stage 3A
Symptoms: None; unrelated chest CT scan revealed lung mass & enlarged mediastinal lymph nodes
Treatment: Chemoradiation
Tara S., Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer, ALK+, Stage 4 (Metastatic)
Symptoms: Numbness in face, left arm and leg
Treatments: Targeted radiation, targeted therapy (alectinib)