My mom was diagnosed with lung cancer on August 18, 2019.
She had not been sick, and it was found unexpectedly. She did not fit the criteria for lung cancer screening. She was scared, yet very optimistic. She was diagnosed early and had every intention of being a person who beat the odds. My mom wasn't done living and still had much to do. She was going to be a person who survived many years after diagnosis. My mom was an incredibly strong person. But small cell lung cancer is swift and cruel.
My mom left us on October 3, 2019. She never made it to her first chemo appointment. She never had the chance to fight her cancer. This loss is extremely difficult for our small family. We are still discovering the many impacts lung cancer has made on our lives. I am forever changed. I spread the word about this disease to anyone I can. It's hard because many people carry stigma and don't want to hear about it. But I will continue to fight my mom's cancer for her, in my own way. I am determined to make a difference.
