The first symptom that made me suspicious was an episode akin to an asthma attack when my asthma was under control. I had the episode that led to this in April 2018 and my condition started to deteriorate quickly. I was sent to heart specialists as my lung physician was unsure if it was lung or heart related. My heart was fine. We did a PET scan and it showed it was non-malignant. A bronchial ablation was done and that showed nothing. Meanwhile my breathing was becoming so labored that I couldn't speak without a breath in between words and inhalers gave no relief. It was decided to send me to a hospital for a biopsy which proved to be lung adenocarcinoma. That was September 12, 2018. Besides the shortness of breath, I also felt very tired all the time.

I was fearful and sad upon hearing my diagnosis. I knew something wasn't right and so did my amazing specialist. A PET scan had shown my cancer was benign but we went ahead with a biopsy to achieve a correct diagnosis. It ended up being stage 1 non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), specifically lung adenocarcinoma. Once confirmed I was fearful that I wouldn't survive which made me and everyone around sad.

My specialist recommended that I get a lobectomy. I was fearful as I was going to have a part of my body removed. I had the lobectomy on October 12, 2018. I had pain medication as well, but I don’t remember what they were. Thankfully, my treatment was subsidized.

5 months from episode to diagnosis, I will be forever grateful for both my GP and specialists for plodding along with me. I’ve since completed treatment and was declared cancer-free in October 2024.

I had a few side effects from the surgery, mainly fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting. I was constantly drained and fatigued for a couple of weeks post-op but bounced back fairly quickly. I am very lucky that the only treatment I required was a lobectomy so there were no other nasties contributing to my recovery. The side effects that I did have, I managed with prescribed pain medication.

I’d given up smoking and alcohol long before the cancer and I already had a fairly healthy lifestyle, so nothing changed much in those regards. I did, however, become a more empathetic and giving person after treatment.

I aim on living life the best I can with a loving relationship, a happy home and perhaps an overseas trip.

I didn’t come across any products or services that were particularly useful. My husband handled anything I couldn't do. I had a housecleaner once and could have done a better job myself.

The most challenging aspect of being a cancer survivor is living with the fear of it coming back as it was a constant in my mind. The slightest shortness of breath or a cough put me on tenterhooks. My husband is an amazing support as has been my lung physician who I still see every 6 months.

Life after cancer goes on. It takes time to conquer the fear that the cancer will come back but eventually you start to realize you've beaten something deadly and become more appreciative of life and everyone in it.

My biggest fears were death and that the cancer would come back. But my journey was relatively short. A lobectomy and the cancer was gone, so that fear went quickly.

My specialist declared me cancer free on October 28, 2024 so I am happy, surprised, very optimistic and very grateful to still be here.

Keep yourself as healthy as possible with nutritious food, plenty of water and as much exercise as your condition will allow. Seek out family and friends to talk to. Don't hold in what you're feeling as it's natural to be scared. Also communicate regularly with your health team. They are an invaluable source of everything to do with your condition including the emotions you may be feeling.

Take each day as it comes, make the most of the good days. Don't be afraid to share how you are feeling with loved ones and specialists; they are there to support you. Cry if you need, laugh when you can and live each day the best you can.