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A cancer diagnosis can be a life-altering experience, and for many, it’s accompanied by feelings of guilt. This was the case for one individual who was diagnosed with stage 2 non-small cell lung cancer after a series of tests, including a PET scan, CT scan, and needle biopsy, revealed tumors in both lungs.

The initial diagnosis was followed by a treatment plan that included two lung surgeries and regular CT scans to monitor for recurrence. However, everything changed when the individual’s thoracic surgeon called to inform them that lymph nodes removed during surgery were malignant, and their cancer had been restaged to stage 3B lung cancer.

A new reality set in, bringing a wave of guilt, as the individual struggled to come to terms with the fact that their cancer was now life-threatening. They found it difficult to share the news with their loved ones, including their husband and three adult daughters.

The individual’s husband was supportive, but they still worried about how their daughters would cope with the news. They decided to share some information with their daughters, including their upcoming surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, and immunotherapy, but they couldn’t bring themselves to reveal that their cancer had been restaged.

The individual carried the burden of their diagnosis alone, fearing that they would burden their daughters with their illness. They worried about the impact it would have on their daughters’ lives, including their ability to explain the situation to their own children or imagine a future without their mother.

This fear led the individual to seek support from a cancer support group. During a difficult round of chemotherapy, they attended a Sunday afternoon meeting and found comfort and compassion among people who understood what they were going through.

The individual eventually reached remission and was considered cured in June 2023. Around that time, they asked their support group leader if they could help spread the word about the St. Peregrine Cancer Support Group. This effort to help others has become a rewarding part of their life, allowing them to connect with people in the medical and social services fields who care for cancer patients.

Through this work, the individual has found confidence, connection, and joy in helping others cope with cancer. They hope that their story will inspire others to seek support and know that they don’t have to face a cancer diagnosis alone.

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