How Wyatt Navigated a Surprise Diagnosis of Stage 4 Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer with KRAS G12D Mutation
When Wyatt found out he had stage 4 lung cancer in early 2021, he had no idea it would reshape not just his health but also his purpose. Diagnosed during the height of the COVID pandemic, Wyatt’s experience navigating stage 4 non-small cell lung cancer with a KRAS G12D mutation has been anything but typical, and he’s turned that into his strength.
Interviewed by: Nikki Murphy
Edited by: Katrina Villareal
It all started with migraines so intense they’d knock him out for days. Wyatt visited the emergency room multiple times, but doctors told him it wasn’t serious. Then came vision loss and frightening neurological symptoms, so he went to see his neurologist, who told him he had to have his shunt replaced. After a CT scan post-surgery, they spotted the lesions in his lungs.
The initial reassurance of it not being cancer quickly gave way to a life-changing diagnosis: stage 4 non-small cell lung cancer. Wyatt was blindsided. No cough, no pain, no classic signs — just cancer hiding behind confusing symptoms.

From the beginning, Wyatt had to learn the power of self-advocacy. He realized that doctors don’t always connect the dots unless you speak up. At one point, he had to document everything he was eating and throwing up just to be heard. For him, building a relationship with the right oncologist made all the difference.
Living with stage 4 non-small cell lung cancer meant becoming an active participant in his care. Wyatt didn’t know about biomarker testing or what the term “KRAS” meant at first. However, over time, he discovered communities like KRAS Kickers and began connecting with others like himself. That connection was powerful, especially for someone who also lives with HIV and has often felt overlooked in medical settings.
Through trial and error with treatment, Wyatt learned to advocate, adjust, and persist. He’s on his seventh line of treatment now, managing side effects like neuropathy, nausea, fatigue, and chemo brain with humor, creativity, and ginger candy. But what truly fuels him is sharing knowledge and support.
Wyatt’s not just surviving — he’s making sure others don’t have to feel as lost as he once did. He’s working on building an online document of resources, pushing for access and inclusion, and showing up for others. Community has been a lifeline, and Wyatt’s working to strengthen it, one conversation and connection at a time.
Watch Wyatt’s full interview to find out more about his story:
- Discover how a brain shunt led to an unexpected lung cancer diagnosis.
- How self-advocacy helped Wyatt reclaim control over his care.
- Learn why finding the right doctor is more important than just going to a big-name hospital.
- See how one resource-filled document opened doors Wyatt didn’t know existed.
- From cancer camps to ginger tea hacks, he shares tips with heart and humor.
- Name: Wyatt D.
- Age at Diagnosis:
- 33
- Diagnosis:
- Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC)
- Staging:
- Stage 4
- Mutation:
- KRAS G12D
- Symptoms:
- Intense migraines
- Vision loss
- Muscle cramping in the hands
- Fainting
- Treatments:
- Chemotherapy
- Immunotherapy
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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