Tag: stage 4

Allison’s Example of Self-Advocacy Living with Stage 4 ALK+ Lung Cancer

Post author By Katrina Villareal
Post date August 27, 2025
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August 27, 2025

Allison’s Example of Self-Advocacy Living with Stage 4 ALK+ Lung Cancer

Allison describes herself as outgoing, energetic, and always on the move, so when back pain began interrupting her workouts and daily activities in late 2022, cancer wasn’t even on her radar, let along stage 4 lung cancer (ALK positive). She pushed through months of pain, assuming it was a muscular issue, until one night in May 2023, when her husband had to carry her to the bathroom. That moment shifted everything.

My Stage 4 Lung Cancer Diagnosis Video

Interviewed by: Nikki Murphy
Edited by: Katrina Villareal

After urgent care scans revealed spinal lesions, Allison’s medical background helped her piece together what was happening before doctors even confirmed it. Within weeks, she learned she had stage 4 ALK+ lung cancer, a diagnosis that felt surreal for someone who never smoked, lived a healthy lifestyle, and was deeply engaged in her family and community. The shock was intense, but Allison quickly realized that information, self-advocacy, and support would be key to moving forward.

Once biomarker testing identified her ALK mutation, she started an oral targeted therapy. The results were dramatic. Within a week, Allison’s pain diminished, and she was able to sleep comfortably again. However, treatment wasn’t without hurdles. She dealt with side effects like a severe rash, high cholesterol, neuropathy, and swelling, but she leaned on her medical team, expert consultations, and peer support groups to find ways to manage. Alongside medication, she underwent radiation to stabilize her femur and strengthen her bones against further damage.

Throughout her experience, Allison has emphasized the importance of self-advocacy. She highlights the importance of asking questions, seeking second opinions, and bringing ideas to doctors, especially since rare mutations like ALK require specialized expertise. She continues to work closely with her local care team and renowned experts to explore treatment strategies, including potential clinical trials and even surgical removal of her primary tumor.

Living with stage 4 ALK-positive lung cancer has changed Allison’s perspective. She now plans life in 90-day increments between scans, while still looking ahead to milestones with her kids and future adventures. Although the unknowns remain challenging, Allison focuses on hope, community, and joy. She encourages others to face the light, believe in progress, and remember that anyone with lungs can get lung cancer. Her message is one of resilience, empowerment, and choosing to live fully while navigating life with cancer.

Watch Allison’s video to find out more about her story:

How back pain turned out to be a sign of stage 4 ALK-positive lung cancer
Why never smoking didn’t protect Allison from a lung cancer diagnosis
The targeted therapy that brought her relief within just one week
How self-advocacy shaped her care and treatment decisions
The hope and positivity that guide her every step forward

Biomarkers and Targeted Therapy: How Lung Cancer is Treated Today

Name: Allison Z.
Age of Diagnosis:
- 45
Diagnosis:
- Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC)
Staging:
- Stage 4
Mutation:
- ALK
Symptom:
- Severe back pain
Treatments:
- Targeted therapy: ALK inhibitors
- Radiation therapy

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.

Thank you for sharing your story, Allison!

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More ALK+ Lung Cancer Stories

Laura R., Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer, ALK+, Stage 4 (Metastatic)

Symptoms: Persistent cough, fatigue, bone pain

Treatments: Targeted therapies (tyrosine kinase inhibitors or TKIs, including through a clinical trial)

Shauna D., Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer, ALK+, Stage 4 (Metastatic)

Symptom: Persistent dry cough following a cold
Treatments: Targeted therapy (tyrosine kinase inhibitors), radiation therapy

Allison Z., Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer, ALK+, Stage 4 (Metastatic)

Symptom: Severe back pain
Treatments: Targeted therapy (ALK inhibitors), radiation therapy

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

Symptoms: Weakness, decline of performance in sports, depression, pain in left foot
Treatments: Radiation therapy, targeted therapy

Stephanie W., Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer, ALK+, Stage 2B

Symptoms: Persistent cough, wheezing
Treatments: Surgery (bilobectomy), chemotherapy, targeted therapy

Tags ALK+, Biomarker Testing, stage 4

Chemotherapy FLOT (fluorouracil, leucovorin, oxaliplatin, docetaxel) FOLFOX (folinic acid, fluorouracil, oxaliplatin) Gastrectomy Patient Stories Radiation Therapy Robotic distal gastrectomy Stomach Cancer Surgery Treatments Xeloda (capecitabine)

How Faith Sustains Maria Through Incurable Stage 4 Stomach Cancer

Post author By Katrina Villareal
Post date August 24, 2025
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August 24, 2025

How Faith Sustains Maria Through Incurable Stage 4 Stomach Cancer

Maria’s life changed dramatically in 2021 when what she thought was a simple stomach issue turned out to be stage 4 stomach cancer. She was an energetic, vibrant former model and devoted mom, busy moving during the pandemic. Her initial symptom seemed minor, but rapid, unexplained weight loss, fatigue, and vomiting pushed her to seek urgent care. An emergency endoscopy revealed something far more serious.

Interviewed by: Nikki Murphy
Edited by: Katrina Villareal

From that shocking diagnosis onward, Maria faced the disease on multiple fronts — physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. She leaned deeply on her faith, her church community, and her close-knit family. Prayer became a daily anchor, not just for comfort but as a source of strength and hope. She joined her church’s prayer team, finding meaning in supporting others even as she navigated her illness.

Physically, Maria stayed active even on her weakest days. She walked on a treadmill, sang, and did small acts that made her feel good because they reminded her she was still living. She embraced a healthier diet, adapted her routines, and refused to let cancer completely define her daily life.

Medically, Maria’s path was complex. After initial chemotherapy, she underwent laparoscopic surgery at Memorial Sloan Kettering, which removed the tumors blocking her digestion while preserving her stomach. For a time, things looked promising. But multiple recurrences brought more chemotherapy, changes in treatment, and targeted radiation. She sought second opinions at top cancer centers, navigated genetic testing, and made thoughtful decisions about her care, always emphasizing self-advocacy.

Spiritually, Maria experienced a transformation. Before her diagnosis, she wasn’t a particularly spiritual person, but cancer shifted her perspective. She says faith not only changed her outlook but also helped her body heal. She credits her medical team, prayer, and staying active for getting her to where she is now: living without current signs of active cancer, with only a small area of uncertainty that doctors are monitoring closely.

Maria is honest about the ongoing challenges, like fatigue, physical limitations, and the ever-present fear of recurrence. However, she emphasizes the importance of hope, gratitude, and the power of community. Her advice is to stay engaged in life, ask questions, and take an active role in your care. “Hope is what keeps us going,” she says, and her story proves it.

Watch Maria’s video to know more about her story:

Maria thought it was just an upset stomach until the endoscopy changed everything
Why staying active even on her weakest days became her lifeline
How faith transformed her cancer experience in ways she never imagined
The self-advocacy lessons Maria wants every patient to know
How prayer and worship gave her hope despite incurable stomach cancer

Name:
- Maria C.
Age at Diagnosis:
- 50
Diagnosis:
- Stomach Cancer
Staging:
- Stage 4
Symptoms:
- Rapid weight loss
- Fatigue
- Inability to hold food down
Treatments:
- Chemotherapy
- Surgery: robotic distal gastrectomy
- Radiation therapy

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.

Thank you for sharing your story, Maria!

Inspired by Maria's story?

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How Flu-Like Symptoms Led to Megan’s Stage 4 Melanoma Diagnosis

Post author By Katrina Villareal
Post date August 20, 2025
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August 20, 2025

How Flu-Like Symptoms Led to Megan’s Stage 4 Melanoma Diagnosis

Megan’s road to stage 4 melanoma began in 2018, when she spotted a new mole near her neck and face. A dermatologist confirmed it was melanoma, stage 1A. She had two surgeries: first to remove the mole and any lingering cancer cells, and another for reconstructive purposes. With no follow-up treatment recommended, she kept up with regular skin checks and assumed the risk of recurrence was low.

Interviewed by: Nikki Murphy
Edited by: Katrina Villareal

Years later, flu-like symptoms over the holidays turned into severe chest pain. An X-ray revealed a collapsed lung. After tests, doctors confirmed the melanoma had returned — this time as stage 4 melanoma in her lung. Megan was shocked, especially since her lymph nodes were clear. But she quickly found a supportive care team and even sought a second opinion at Moffitt Cancer Center to ensure she was on the right track.

Megan’s first treatment was immunotherapy, which didn’t stop the tumor’s rapid growth. At one point, the tumor reached 26 cm, causing extreme pain and breathing problems. Because she was BRAF positive, Megan started targeted therapy pills. One drug didn’t work well, but another produced almost instant relief and significantly shrank the tumor. This allowed for surgery in January 2024, followed by radiation for two small recurrences. (Editor’s Note: According to the Johns Hopkins Medicine website, BRAF is a gene found on chromosome seven that encodes a protein also called BRAF. A BRAF mutation is a spontaneous change in the BRAF gene that makes it work incorrectly, but not all mutations in BRAF cause cancer.)

Life with stage 4 melanoma has changed Megan’s perspective on health, priorities, and community. Side effects from long-term treatment include fatigue, occasional body aches, and digestive issues, but she’s learned to manage them. She’s also navigated deeply personal losses, like the likelihood of not having children, something never discussed with her doctors early on.

Megan now focuses on nourishing food, meaningful connections, and work that energizes her. She’s active in melanoma support groups, sharing her experience to help others feel less alone. She emphasizes the importance of early detection, advocating for skin checks, sun safety, and rejecting harmful beauty standards leading to risky procedures like tanning.

Megan’s story is one of resilience as she chooses to live fully, connect deeply, and help others navigate the complicated emotional and physical realities of survivorship. Her authenticity, advocacy, and openness make her a voice of hope for anyone touched by cancer.

Watch Megan’s video to find out more about her story:

How a single mole changed Megan’s life forever
The shocking way her melanoma returned years later
Why one pill changed everything
The part of cancer care no one told her about
Megan’s heartfelt advice on health and self-acceptance

Name: Megan S.
Age at Diagnosis:
- 28
Diagnosis:
- Melanoma
Staging:
- Stage 1A (2018); Stage 4 (2023)
Symptoms:
- New mole
- Cough
- Wheezing
- Chest pain
- Back pain
Treatments:
- Surgeries: mole excision, reconstructive surgery, thoracic surgery
- Immunotherapy
- Targeted therapy: BRAF inhibitors, MEK inhibitors
- Radiation therapy

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.

Thank you for sharing your story, Megan!

Inspired by Megan's story?

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Living with Metastatic Lung Cancer: Clara’s Honest Take on Life and Treatment

Post author By Katrina Villareal
Post date August 11, 2025
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August 11, 2025

Living with Metastatic Lung Cancer: Clara’s Honest Take on Life and Treatment

Clara’s story is one of change, resilience, and real talk about life with metastatic lung cancer. Diagnosed at just 30, Clara was an avid runner, living independently, and working full-time as a graphic designer. Throughout most of 2024, she chalked up her growing discomfort and hip pain to running-related injuries. After an MRI revealed a herniated disc, it seemed like a clear explanation for her pain, but it turned out that the discomfort was also linked to metastatic lung cancer that had already spread to her bones and joints.

Interviewed by: Nikki Murphy
Edited by: Katrina Villareal

What made things especially confusing was that Clara didn’t experience the classic symptoms of lung cancer. There was no coughing or shortness of breath; none of the usual warning signs associated with it. Instead, she felt dizzy, lightheaded, lost weight, and had swollen lymph nodes, neuropathy, and unexplained headaches.

For months, Clara pushed through it all, thinking it might be a blood disorder or an autoimmune disease. The breast lump she noticed in October raised red flags, but she set it aside until things escalated. Eventually, she landed in the emergency room after throwing up nonstop. That’s when doctors found the metastases.

When Clara was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer, she was stunned. Her cancer had spread not just to her bones, but to her liver and brain. It felt surreal, like it was happening to someone else. Once she returned to Iowa for treatment, things moved fast.

Clara started brain radiation immediately and underwent genetic testing that revealed the MSH6 mutation, something she had never heard of before. This biomarker guided her treatment plan: a combination of two chemotherapies and immunotherapy. She is still on immunotherapy now and will be for life.

Becoming disabled has been one of the most difficult parts of this experience. Clara went from running half marathons to relying on a walker or a cane. Losing that level of independence hurts, but she’s working through it with honesty and strength. She also stresses the importance of self-advocacy, listening to your body, asking questions, and making your needs known, whether in the doctor’s office or around loved ones.

Now, Clara’s mission is to advocate and educate others through her TikTok and beyond. From breaking down scary medical procedures like brain radiation to showing how a chemo port works, she’s demystifying the parts of cancer that are often misunderstood or feared. She’s open about the emotions, the identity shift, and the practical realities of living with metastatic lung cancer, while reminding others that life doesn’t stop — it just changes, and that’s okay.

Watch Clara’s video to find out more about her story:

How a running injury masked the signs of metastatic lung cancer
Why Clara didn’t have any typical lung cancer symptoms and what she felt instead
What it’s like to become disabled after a stage 4 cancer diagnosis
How Clara uses creativity and TikTok to educate and advocate for others with cancer
What surprised her most about brain radiation and why it’s not as scary as it sounds

Name: Clara C.
Age at Diagnosis:
- 30
Diagnosis:
- Lung Cancer
Mutation:
- MSH6
Staging:
- Stage 4
Symptoms:
- Pelvic pain
- Joint and bone pain
- Breast lump
- Extreme lightheadedness and dizziness
- Vomiting
- Fainting spells
- Swollen lymph node in the neck
- Neuropathy
- Headaches
- Unexplained weight loss
- Severe anemia
Treatments:
- Radiation therapy to the brain
- 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.

Thank you for sharing your story, Clara!

Inspired by Clara's story?

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Will’s Experience with Stage 4 Liver Cancer is Marked by Moments of Joy

Post author By Chris Sanchez
Post date August 2, 2025
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August 2, 2025

Will’s Experience with Stage 4 Liver Cancer is Marked by Moments of Joy

Will found out that he had stage 4 liver cancer in December 2022. Before that, his life felt like a blur. He struggled with unexplained exhaustion, frequent diarrhea, sporadic vomiting (especially after eating pork or rich food), and a sense of discomfort he couldn’t put his finger on.

Interviewed by: Taylor Scheib
Edited by: Chris Sanchez

One day, in the middle of a badminton game, Will felt an unusual hardness in his abdomen. This led him to seek medical advice. He ended up going to a hospital, where doctors ran tests and procedures and eventually uncovered a massive tumor that took up nearly 70% of his liver.

The ER doctor compassionately delivered the grim news that Will had liver cancer, and this thoughtfulness and consideration helped him find his footing despite the overwhelming odds. He also found solace in actionable steps. He initially underwent immunotherapy and targeted therapy. These treatments weren’t successful, but he and his medical team didn’t stop there. Clinical trials offered Will hope and insight into medical advancements. These trials were grueling, but they supported his resilience and determination to get better.

Stage 4 liver cancer introduced a new rhythm to Will’s life. He learned to accept his situation, which became his basis for adaptation and also formed a surprising foundation for moments of joy. He found that physical activity helped him feel free and helped him reclaim his autonomy. Despite Will’s physical limitations, sports, including swimming and cycling, became a refuge and source of comfort. His ambitions grew bolder: he aimed to complete a triathlon. Every move he made, further emboldened his defiance against any thoughts of despair and helped him enjoy life’s simple freedoms.

Will’s tumor shrank significantly, and his health stabilized remarkably, thanks to treatment, which was made available through applying for compassionate-use medication or using a new treatment not yet approved even if you are not taking part in the clinical trial. Uncertainties linger regarding his stage 4 liver cancer, but he remains laser-focused on living fully. He urges fellow patients to be proactive regarding their health management and to ask questions, prepare for medical appointments, and embrace discomfort as part of the process. He’s found that happiness isn’t dependent upon one’s health status; one can enjoy meaningful moments even during times of adversity.

Watch Will’s video to find out more about:

How badminton led him to uncover a stage 4 liver cancer growing right under the surface of his abdomen
The unexpected role that swimming and cycling played in his health transformation
Why a dead phone during Will’s diagnosis became an oddly pivotal moment
How he found happiness amid treatment for advanced cancer
The power of asking the right questions during medical appointments and pushing for compassionate use medication

Name:
- Will M.
Age at Diagnosis:
- 29
Diagnosis:
- Liver Cancer
Staging:
- Stage 4
Symptoms:
- General uneasiness
- Exhaustion
- Diarrhea
- Hard mass in the abdomen
- Worsening abdominal pain in the upper right quadrant
Treatments:
- Surgery: kyphoplasty
- Chemotherapy
- Targeted therapy
- Transarterial chemoembolization (TACE)
- Radiation therapy
- Clinical trial

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.

Thank you for sharing your story, Will!

Inspired by Will's story?

Share your story, too!

Dania M., Colon Cancer, Stage 4, with Liver and Peritoneal Carcinomatosis

Symptoms: Constipation, diarrhea, severe bloating, swollen belly as if pregnant
Treatments: Surgery, immunotherapy

Brittany B., Liver and Bile Duct Cancer, Stage 4

Symptoms: Amenorrhea, unexplained weight loss, loss of appetite, pain in right upper quadrant of abdomen

Treatments: Surgery, immunotherapy

Tags clinical trial, compassionate use, stage 4

Chemotherapy Colorectal Metastatic Ostomy Patient Stories Radiation Therapy Rectal Surgery Treatments

Devon Confronted Stage 4 Rectal Cancer at 30

Post author By Chris Sanchez
Post date August 1, 2025
No Comments on Devon Confronted Stage 4 Rectal Cancer at 30

August 1, 2025

Devon Confronted Stage 4 Rectal Cancer at 30

Devon found out she had stage 4 rectal cancer in March 2023, when she was only 30 years old. She started to experience her first symptoms a month before that: frequent bathroom visits (up to 20 times a day), discomfort that became pain, and, in some instances, passing mucus instead of stool. She initially thought she had irritable bowel syndrome, but her gut feeling (literally and figuratively) convinced her to look for medical advice.

Interviewed by: Taylor Scheib
Edited by: Chris Sanchez

Devon took a proactive approach to her diagnosis. This included closely tracking her symptoms and how they progressed, as well as persistently communicating with doctors. Thanks to her approach, she was able to land a quick appointment with a gastroenterologist. Within just 20 minutes of meeting her and conducting an exam, the doctor detected something amiss and recommended that she undergo a colonoscopy immediately. The diagnosis? Stage 4 rectal cancer.

Devon was shaken by her diagnosis. Because she had neither a family history of rectal cancer nor any of the typical risk factors, it felt surreal. However, she didn’t fixate on asking, “Why me?” Instead, she asked, “What’s next?”

Devon’s doctors conducted a flurry of tests and scans and referred her to other doctors, but she ended up returning to Seattle for comprehensive care. However, her symptoms worsened while she was making her way back, resulting in an emergency ostomy surgery in San Francisco. It was a painful procedure, but she felt better afterwards.

After surgery, Devon’s stage 4 rectal cancer treatment plan included six weeks of daily pelvic radiation, low-dose chemo pills, and four months of traditional chemotherapy. Although she initially responded well to these treatments to the point of being declared no evidence of disease, the cancer returned. She then started a more intense second round of chemotherapy. But Devon has refused to buckle despite this setback and has managed this new phase of her treatment with courage and support from her loved ones.

Devon and her doctors now rigorously and closely monitor her health. She offers simple but powerful pieces of advice to others: listen to your body and find your community. Because the adolescent and young adult cancer community played such a crucial role in her emotional recovery as a young adult who faced cancer, thanks to offering understanding and solidarity that’s hard to find elsewhere, she recommends that other patients find their people, too.

Watch Devon’s video and:

Learn how the “small” but ominous symptoms she struggled with led to a big discovery
See what it’s like to face stage 4 rectal cancer, which is usually associated with older people, at just 30
Rethink what you think you know about rectal cancer — Devon has neither family history nor risk factors for it
Find out how she navigates life with rectal cancer: from symptoms to survival

Name:
- Devon B.
Age at Diagnosis:
- 30
Diagnosis:
- Rectal Cancer
Staging:
- Stage 4
Symptoms:
- Pain when trying to move bowels
- Increased frequency of bowel movements, alternating with periods of constipation
- Passing mucus instead of feces
- Narrow stools
Treatments:
- Surgery: ostomy surgery
- Radiation therapy
- Chemotherapy

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.

Thank you for sharing your story, Devon!

Inspired by Devon's story?

Share your story, too!

Cassandra Balances Motherhood, Life, and Stage 4 Adrenal Cancer

Post author By Chris Sanchez
Post date July 26, 2025
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July 26, 2025

Cassandra Balances Motherhood, Life, and Stage 4 Adrenal Cancer (Adrenocortical Carcinoma)

Cassandra’s life took a strange and unwelcome turn in October 2021 when she was diagnosed with stage 4 adrenal cancer. She was pregnant at the time, and her diagnosis was uncovered through blood tests she took to determine her baby’s gender. The test results were confusing, and they opened the door to many medical appointments. Ultimately, Cassandra found that she had a tumor the size of a softball on her adrenal gland.

Interviewed by: Taylor Scheib
Edited by: Chris Sanchez

Cassandra’s diagnosis stunned her, but it also allowed her resilience to come to the fore. As she deals with the complexities of adrenal cancer (a rare cancer that’s also known as adrenocortical carcinoma), she remains focused on her family, especially her young son, Paxton. Cassandra and her husband work tirelessly to ensure that Paxton’s days are full of love, laughter, and routine. She shares that when they talk to him about her illness, they frame it simply as “Mom not feeling well.” This keeps him innocent while Cassandra works to manage the physical and emotional effects of her condition.

Cassandra’s story isn’t about her health alone. It’s also about self-advocacy and the importance of trusting one’s instincts. She’s worked with multiple oncologists, each of whom has offered different perspectives and approaches to her treatment plan. She’s unafraid to seek second opinions and emphasizes what she’s done to form a medical team that shares her values and understands stage 4 adrenal cancer. Because of this empowered approach, she has been able to receive care tailored to her unique situation.

Mental health plays a key role in Cassandra’s experience. She embraces her vulnerability and lets herself feel raw emotions, often during the quiet baths she enjoys as a safe space to process her feelings. However, she balances these moments with positivity, knowing how much she influences those around her. Cassandra maintains her sense of humor and can laugh at herself, even during tougher days. For example, when she lost her hair after chemotherapy, she recounts how she embraced her baldness by joking about it with friends and family.

Cassandra doesn’t let cancer put her life on pause. In the midst of one of her treatments, she married her sweetheart in a heartfelt ceremony and celebrated with close family and friends. Cassandra continues to live fully in the face of stage 4 adrenal cancer, attending concerts, going on trips, and cherishing every moment with her family. But her advocacy goes beyond her situation. She encourages others who’ve been diagnosed to trust their support systems, look for second opinions, and make mental health a top priority.

Watch Cassandra’s video to find out more about:

How a routine blood test during pregnancy led to an unexpected stage 4 adrenal cancer diagnosis
Cassandra’s candid take on balancing motherhood with cancer
The pivotal role of self-advocacy in cancer treatment
Cassandra’s inspiring experience, from diagnosis to wedding vows
Her belief that cancer may alter life’s course, but it doesn’t define it

Name:
- Cassandra R.
Age at Diagnosis:
- 28
Diagnosis:
- Adrenal Cancer (Adrenocortical Carcinoma)
Staging:
- Stage 4
Symptoms:
- None; inconclusive bloodwork during a blood test to determine her baby’s gender
Treatments:
- Surgery: adrenalectomy
- Radiation therapy
- 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.

Thank you for sharing your story, Cassandra!

Inspired by Cassandra's story?

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How Wyatt Navigated a Surprise Diagnosis of Stage 4 Lung Cancer

Post author By Katrina Villareal
Post date July 19, 2025
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July 19, 2025

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

Wyatt D. stage 4 non-small cell lung cancer with KRAS G12D mutation

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.

Thank you for sharing your story, Wyatt!

Inspired by Wyatt's story?

Share your story, too!

How a Mom with Stage 4 Colon Cancer Turned Pain Into Purpose

Post author By Katrina Villareal
Post date July 14, 2025
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July 14, 2025

How a Mom with Stage 4 Colon Cancer Turned Pain Into Purpose

When Lauren began feeling off in early 2025, she figured it was just constipation, since she was usually irregular. But when she found herself running to the bathroom up to 27 times a day, she knew something wasn’t right. Despite her persistence, early appointments with her primary care provider and even an ER visit didn’t give her the answers she needed. Her path to a stage 4 colon cancer diagnosis would take perseverance.

Interviewed by: Nikki Murphy
Edited by: Katrina Villareal

Eventually, her gut instincts led her to push for a GI consult, and that’s when her life changed. After a colonoscopy couldn’t even get past the blockage, a CT scan finally revealed the unthinkable: stage 4 colon cancer, specifically a rare and aggressive type called signet ring cell carcinoma (SRCC).

Lauren’s diagnosis came fast, and with it, a whirlwind of decisions. Within hours of her arrival at the ER, doctors were talking about cancer and prepping for emergency surgery. Lauren underwent a colon resection and came home with a colostomy bag. At just 41 years old, she found herself facing a diagnosis most people associate with much older adults. And while the shock was overwhelming, Lauren chose to face it with openness, strength, and grace.

Navigating treatment has been tough. Chemotherapy brought on intense neuropathy, nausea, and deep fatigue, but Lauren focuses on what keeps her going: her two young children, her incredibly supportive husband and family, and her inner fire. Talking to her kids about the changes in her body, including the colostomy bag and the port in her chest, wasn’t easy, but she handled it with honesty and love. Her children quickly adapted. Their curiosity turned into acceptance, and their resilience reminded Lauren that life, even now, is still full of beauty.

Since being diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer, Lauren’s perspective has shifted in powerful ways. She’s slowed down, learned to cherish simple joys like reading in the backyard, and poured her heart into writing children’s books, stories inspired by her daughter’s autism diagnosis. Cancer pushed her to finally do what she loved.

Lauren now advocates fiercely for early screenings, especially since her cancer type often doesn’t show symptoms until it’s advanced. She also urges others to trust themselves. If something feels off, speak up. Her story is a moving reminder that you don’t need to look sick to be facing something serious, and that even in the hardest moments, it’s possible to find love, purpose, and joy.

Watch Lauren’s full interview to find out more about her story:

Discover how a bathroom log helped lead to a life-saving diagnosis.
Learn how Lauren explained stage 4 colon cancer to her young children in the most beautiful way.
Find out why her daughter’s autism diagnosis gave even deeper meaning to her children’s books.
Hear how Lauren’s life shifted from corporate chaos to creative purpose.
See how love, laughter, and support lifted her through one of life’s hardest moments.

Name: Lauren G.
Age at Diagnosis:
- 41
Diagnosis:
- Colon Cancer (Signet Ring Cell Carcinoma)
Symptoms:
- Frequent urges to have bowel movements (up to 27x/day)
- Incomplete evacuation
- Abdominal bloating
Treatments:
- Surgeries: colectomy (colon resection), colostomy bag placement
- Chemotherapy

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.

Thank you for sharing your story, Lauren!

Inspired by Lauren's story?

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Kristen Embraces Joy While Living with Stage 4 Small Cell Lung Cancer

Post author By Chris Sanchez
Post date July 12, 2025
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July 12, 2025

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

Kristen P. stage 4 small cell lung cancer

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.

Thank you for sharing your story, Kristen!

Inspired by Kristen's story?

Share your story, too!

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