Stephanie’s Stage 2B ALK+ Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Story

Stephanie’s stage 2 lung cancer story began with a mild, intermittent cough in the spring of 2021, which she dismissed as allergies or weather-related. When her cough persisted, she mentioned it during a routine check-up with her general practitioner. After a chest X-ray, a mass was discovered on her lung. This led to a CT scan, which revealed a spiculated mass (having spikes or points on the tumor surface), raising concerns about cancer.

Interviewed by: Nikki Murphy
Edited by: Katrina Villareal

The diagnosis came after a bronchoscopy, which confirmed the mass was cancerous, specifically adenocarcinoma, a type of non-small cell lung cancer. She underwent a lobectomy, during which her surgeon removed two lobes of her lung to ensure all cancerous tissue was eliminated. Stephanie was subsequently diagnosed with stage 2B lung cancer. The pathology report confirmed that her lymph nodes were cancer-free and that she had clean margins with no signs of vascular or pleural invasion.

Following her surgery, Stephanie learned she was ALK-positive, a genetic mutation associated with non-smokers and younger lung cancer patients. Due to this, her treatment plan included chemotherapy and targeted therapy. After completing four rounds of chemotherapy, Stephanie was advised to begin targeted therapy, which is typically used in stage 4 cases but has shown potential benefits for earlier-stage patients, like her stage 2 lung cancer. Stephanie decided to follow this advice and has been on targeted therapy since completing chemotherapy.

Stephanie’s motivation throughout her diagnosis and treatment has been her young daughter. She remains dedicated to doing everything to stay healthy for her family. While she has had clean scans and blood work for the past three years, she continues to take her medication daily, hoping it prevents the cancer from returning. She advises others to know their biomarkers, seek second opinions, and join support groups for personalized guidance and support.

• Name: Stephanie W.
• Age at Diagnosis:
  • 37
• Diagnosis:
  • Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
• Staging:
  • Stage 2B
• Biomarker:
  • ALK
• Symptoms:
  • Persistent cough
  • Wheezing
• Treatments:
  • Surgery: bilobectomy
  • Chemotherapy
  • Targeted therapy

This is not medical advice. Please consult with your healthcare provider to make informed treatment decisions.

This interview has been edited for clarity and length. The views and opinions expressed in this interview do not necessarily reflect those of The Patient Story. This content does not replace professional medical advice.

Inspired by Stephanie’s story?

Share your story, too!

More Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Stories

Kathy B., Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC), Stage 4 (Metastatic), ALK+



Symptoms: Jaw pain, back pain, pain in sacrum, unexplained cough, loss of voice


Treatment: Targeted therapy (lorlatinib, a tyrosine kinase inhibitor)

Jennifer W., Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC), Stage 4 (Metastatic), ALK+



Symptoms: Left-sided rib pain, fatigue with the need for daytime naps, interruptive and persistent cough


Treatments: Radiation therapy (targeted radiation), targeted therapy (alectinib, lorlatinib), monoclonal antibody (bevacizumab), biphosphonate (zoledronic acid), chemotherapy (upcoming)

Camila B, Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC), Stage 4 (Oligometastatic), KRAS G12V, PD-L1



Symptoms: Coughing up blood, mild fatigue

Treatments: Surgeries (tumor resection, lobectomy), chemotherapy, immunotherapy, radiation therapy (stereotactic body radiotherapy), targeted therapy

Tiffany F., Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC), Stage 4 (Metastatic), EGFR+, T790M



Symptoms: Immense fatigue, over 70 pounds of unintentional weight loss, migraines and ocular migraine, vision changes, seizure


Treatments: Surgery (craniotomy), radiation therapy (CyberKnife), targeted therapy (erlotinib, osimertinib)

Jessica W., Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC), Stage 4 (Metastatic), ALK+



Symptoms: Left-sided rib pain, fatigue with the need for daytime naps, interruptive and persistent cough


Treatments: Radiation therapy (targeted radiation), targeted therapy (alectinib, lorlatinib), monoclonal antibody (bevacizumab), biphosphonate (zoledronic acid), chemotherapy (upcoming)