Episode #38: Lung Cancer Patient Perspective with Christy Fischer

Dr. Albert Rizzo: Welcome back to Lungcast, the monthly respiratory health podcast series from the American Lung Association and medical news site HCP Live. I’m your host, Dr. Albert Rizzo, chief medical officer of the American Lung Association.

If you’re watching this on YouTube, be sure to subscribe to our channel at Lungcast to get updates on new episodes and interview segments. If you’re listening on your podcast player, you can do the same thing there. You can also access more Lungcast episodes and segments on HCP Live and Lung.org.

As has been our tradition since we launched this show in 2020, our November episode this year is dedicated to Lung Cancer Awareness Month. Over the years, we’ve hosted several world-leading pulmonologists, oncologists, and researchers to discuss the intricacies of lung cancer screening, diagnostics, and management strategies. But we’ve never hosted a patient—until today.

Today, we are featuring a special interview with Christy Fischer, a four-time survivor of non-smoking related lung cancer, who also works as an active community volunteer with the American Lung Association. Whereas our past lung cancer conversations have delved into clinical and scientific parameters of the disease, Christy provides the patient perspective—the emotional, as well as the physical and clinical journey of her multiple fights against cancer.

It’s a story that any caregiver can learn from, and that anyone can find inspiration in during Lung Cancer Awareness Month. We hope you enjoy celebrating Christy’s story with us.

Dr. Albert Rizzo: Well, thank you for joining us today. How did you find out you had lung cancer, Christy? Why don’t you tell us how and when you received your diagnosis?

Christy Fischer: I was originally diagnosed with stage four lung cancer in 2006. I had always done everything I could to stay in shape—I was a runner, and I went to college on a basketball and track scholarship. I stayed active by walking far from doors or taking the stairs instead of the elevator.

What I discovered was that I couldn’t walk up a single flight of stairs without being completely winded. I’d have to double over to catch my breath. Being a lifelong runner, a non-smoker, and only 38 years old at the time, I knew something was wrong.

I had chest pain, shortness of breath, coughing, wheezing, and back pain. So I went to my primary care physician. She tested me for asthma, checked my heart and spine, took some X-rays, and basically said everything looked fine. She thought it might be acid reflux and suggested a PPI for 30 days.

That was on a Tuesday. By Friday, the X-ray technician called me and said they found several spots in my lungs and recommended further testing.

Dr. Albert Rizzo: Once you had that diagnosis, what were your initial thoughts and feelings?

Christy Fischer: When they first called, it was on a Friday, so I had the whole weekend to worry. By Monday, I became my own advocate. I went through three months of testing across five different hospitals, because everyone kept saying, “There’s no way she could have lung cancer—you’re healthy, you don’t smoke, and you’ve never been exposed to asbestos.”

So the idea of me having lung cancer was unheard of. By the time I was officially diagnosed, I already knew something serious was wrong. I wasn’t shocked—I immediately went into “what’s next” mode.

Dr. Albert Rizzo: And once you got the diagnosis, how quickly did you start treatment?

Christy Fischer: I was diagnosed in September 2006 and started chemotherapy in October. That month was spent researching and finding the best oncologist. By then, my cancer had metastasized to my neck, sternum, and both lungs. They told me I had a 2% chance of living the next four months.

Radiation or surgery wasn’t an option due to how widespread it was. So every day during that month was focused on starting chemotherapy as quickly as possible.

Dr. Albert Rizzo: During that time, did you experience stigma due to lung cancer?

Christy Fischer: Yes, I did—and I still do. Even though my closest friends and family knew I wasn’t a smoker, people further away often assumed I was. It’s frustrating as a lung cancer survivor to constantly have people want to know if you smoked.

This stigma is part of why I started volunteering with the American Lung Association about 10 years ago—to help change perceptions and spread awareness. My family and close friends were extremely supportive throughout the entire process.

Dr. Albert Rizzo: How about your physicians? Did you encounter nihilism, or did you find supportive care?

Christy Fischer: Finding the right doctors was important. I went to a few different oncologists until I found someone who matched my mentality and communication style. Setting expectations with your doctors about how aggressive you want to be is key. My doctors have been extremely supportive of how I wanted to handle my diagnosis.

Dr. Albert Rizzo: You’re a long-term survivor of stage four lung cancer, which is unusual. Can you describe the diagnostic process, treatments, and how things have changed over time?

Christy Fischer: Initially, chemotherapy was my only option. I had two different types of chemo for years, with one week off each month. I also had open-chest surgery to remove a tumor from my chest—something almost unheard of for stage four patients.

In 2018, I was diagnosed again and started immunotherapy. Later, I transitioned to targeted therapies, which are pills I could take at home—no hospital visits or IVs. These treatments weren’t available when I was first diagnosed, showing how research and clinical trials have improved survival and quality of life.

Dr. Albert Rizzo: Did you participate in clinical trials?

Christy Fischer: Yes, I’ve participated in every clinical trial offered to me—from biopsies and tissue studies to diet and educational studies. I want to make a difference through my experience and contribute to research.

Dr. Albert Rizzo: Were these trials local or did you have to travel?

Christy Fischer: They were all local. Wherever I went for scans or treatments, the clinical trials were available, so I didn’t have to travel extra.

Dr. Albert Rizzo: You’ve also been active with the American Lung Association. How did that come about?

Christy Fischer: I truly believe I was chosen to have this disease for a reason. I’m outgoing, driven, and vibrant—I couldn’t just let cancer take over. About 10 years ago, I reached out to the Kansas City American Lung Association and have been volunteering since. I’ve spoken in Washington, DC as a Lung Force Hero, shared my story with thousands, chaired the Kansas City Gala since 2017, and helped raise critical funds for research, advocacy, and education. My message is simple: if you have lungs, you can get lung cancer.

Dr. Albert Rizzo: Based on your experience, what advice would you give physicians on communicating a lung cancer diagnosis?

Christy Fischer: Cut to the chase. Get to the point and provide a clear game plan. Communication is not one-size-fits-all. Doctors need to understand their patients and how they want to receive information. My oncologists know how I operate—they give me the facts, and we move forward together.

Dr. Albert Rizzo: And what about patients—what’s your message to them?

Christy Fischer: Maintain who you are and what you do. I treat lung cancer like a competition—I won’t let it beat me. Keep living your life, find joy and purpose, and work cancer into your life as you have to—but don’t let it consume you. I continue volunteering, walking every day, going on trips, and living fully. That mindset is critical for anyone facing cancer.

Dr. Albert Rizzo: Thank you, Christy. Your story is one of encouragement, inspiration, and hope. We look forward to your continued work with the American Lung Association and your ongoing treatment success.

Christy Fischer: Thank you very much.