I was suffering from a prolonged cough post-COVID, but thought this symptom wasn’t serious. Only a few months later did I seek medical attention and that’s when I found out I had non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), specifically the lung adenocarcinoma subtype.

My initial research showed lung cancer survival rates were very poor, so learning about my diagnosis made me fearful.

I opted for the following treatments, based on my own research and the doctor’s recommendation:

• Chemotherapy
• Radiation therapy
• Targeted therapy

As I was stage 3, only chemo and radiotherapy were available in the U.K. I had 2 rounds of chemo with 30 fractions of radiotherapy concurrent, from April 2023. In December 2023, a brain metastasis (met) was discovered (no symptoms, just through a scheduled 6-month MRI) so in January 2024, I was put onto TKI and started on Alectinib, which I’m currently on. My treatment is subsidized and financed by the NHS.

Once my treatment options were decided, I was fearful and worried about the side effects of chemo. After the change in my treatment plan, I felt sad and disappointed. I had to wait to develop a brain met to get the TKI as with a brain met I can’t drive.

Undergoing chemo and radiotherapy concurrently was exhausting and on TKI I have severe fatigue in my legs, so I no longer work. Apart from the fatigue, I suffer from hair loss and weight fluctuations too.

To cope with these side effects, I’ve done the following things:

• Increased my exercise frequency by taking short walks
• Improving my nutrition to aid the absorption and efficiency of TKI
• Rest when I need it

After starting treatment, my exercise frequency has changed drastically. I used to run 5km 3 times a week but can no longer do this on my TKI.

For future plans, I’m spending time with my family (my husband is now taking early retirement) and going on trips to see places.

I found the following things particularly helpful over the course of my cancer journey:

• ALK+ UK Facebook support group
• MacMillan nurses
• Wig service at Maggie’s at the Christie Manchester*

Because of my cancer diagnosis, I’ve experienced challenges in the following aspects of my personal life:

• Day-to-day life, due to the tiredness and also developing a brain met means I can’t drive
• Self-esteem and self-image, due to the weight gain
• Professional life, as I have finished work and am on ill health retirement

In fact, I resigned from my job after finding out I had cancer. On top of the fatigue, working in EYFS meant there were too many germs around for my compromised lungs.

Death and leaving my family – those were my biggest fears. Trying to overcome them meant developing a positive mindset and living for now, doing the things I want to with family and friends.

Now my emotions fluctuate between being fearful and optimistic. I appreciate that ALK+ (lung cancer) is best of a bad diagnosis and medication is available to help but the meds can stop working at any time.

Ask any questions you want to; not knowing can be worse. Rest when you can and need to. Have meals prepared that are easy to warm up and someone with you to transport you home after treatment.