Desiree and Vickie were each living seemingly normal lives until they were diagnosed with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and small cell lung cancer (SCLC), respectively, shaking the foundations of their everyday existence.
Worldwide, lung cancer ranks as the second most frequently diagnosed cancer, behind breast cancer. There are two primary types of lung cancer: NSCLC and SCLC, and they require distinctly different treatment approaches. Therefore, obtaining an early diagnosis is paramount in order to establish an effective treatment strategy that significantly influences survival outcomes.
This Lung Cancer Awareness Month and beyond, Amgen is steadfast in its mission to empower the lung cancer community to #KnowYourLungs and take proactive steps toward managing their health with informed decisions.
The Significance of Biomarker Testing to Inform Treatment Plans
Desiree’s world turned upside down when she unexpectedly received a sobering diagnosis of stage IV NSCLC, thrusting her quickly into an intensive and aggressive treatment protocol designed to combat the advanced stage of her cancer.
Through comprehensive biomarker testing, Desiree sought to gain a clearer understanding of the genetic composition of her tumor and possible therapeutic avenues. The biomarker results revealed that she possessed the KRAS G12C mutation, one of the most prevalent alterations among NSCLC patients, affecting approximately 1 in 8 (13%) individuals diagnosed with the disease in Western countries. This critical information enabled Desiree to embark on a targeted treatment strategy aimed at the specific growth mechanisms driving her cancer.
When reflecting on her journey, Desiree expresses, “You need to see what’s out there. You know, ask about your biomarker. Just don’t give up; knowledge is power in this fight against cancer.”
Click here to read more about Desiree’s inspiring journey with NSCLC.
Finding Support Through Extensive-Stage Small Cell Lung Cancer
Vickie’s lung cancer journey began when she was diagnosed with SCLC after years of enduring periodic, intense chest pains that raised alarm bells about her health. Following her diagnosis, she embarked on a challenging treatment regimen that included radiation and chemotherapy. However, after one year, she received the devastating news that her cancer had metastasized to her brain, resulting in a diagnosis of extensive-stage SCLC (ES-SCLC), indicating that her disease had progressed significantly.
SCLC is regarded as one of the most aggressive and devastating solid tumor malignancies, characterized by a dismal five-year relative survival rate of only 7% for individuals living with this type of cancer.
Throughout her treatment, Vickie maintained an active lifestyle and drew strength from her friends, community, and family, finding support in their love and encouraging presence. Vickie reflects, “It is a journey. You need to embrace it and try to uncover joy in every single day, no matter how tough it gets. I guess I’m just going to accept it and go with it, one day at a time.”
Click here to read more about Vickie’s courageous journey with ES-SCLC.
To learn more about NSCLC and SCLC and access vital resources, visit the following websites:
- www.lungevity.org
- www.go2.org
- www.livelung.org
- www.lcfamerica.org
References:
Understanding Lung Cancer: The Journey of Desiree and Vickie
The world of lung cancer is like one of those dodgy gameshow prizes you don’t want to win. Congratulations! You’ve just been diagnosed with lung cancer! No, thank you, I’d prefer a toaster or a lifetime supply of socks, thanks! But, of course, real life isn’t always a laughing matter, and lung cancer isn’t exactly the punchline we’d hoped for—unless you’re a comedian and the material’s just too good to pass up!
Lung Cancer – A Sneaky Foe
Now, let’s get serious for a moment. Lung cancer, the sneaky little rascal, is the second most commonly diagnosed cancer globally. With two major types—non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and small cell lung cancer (SCLC)—treatment plans can differ more than two comedians at an open mic night.
This month, as we paint the town gold for Lung Cancer Awareness Month, Amgen is here, flashlight in hand, urging everyone to #KnowYourLungs—because let’s face it, when it comes to your health, ignorance really isn’t bliss!
The Importance of Biomarker Testing
Meet Desiree, a perfectly normal human living her life until one day it gets turned upside down like a bad game of Twister when she is slapped with a stage IV NSCLC diagnosis. It’s like finding a clown hiding in your wardrobe—surprising, alarming, and you really wasn’t prepared for that kind of horror!
Now, Desiree, wise beyond her years, says, “You need to see what’s out there. You know, ask about your biomarker. Just don’t give up.” She underwent comprehensive biomarker testing faster than you can say “Tommy Cooper” and found she had the KRAS G12C mutation. Who knew that acronyms could be more important than your Wi-Fi password?
This mutation occurs in about 1 in 8 NSCLC patients and indicates that Desiree could begin targeting her treatment. It’s like finally understanding how to match your socks—so satisfying and effective!
For more on Desiree’s journey, you can click here to read her inspiring story. Spoiler alert: it’ll put your last quarrel over a parking spot into perspective!
Finding Joy in the Journey
Then there’s Vickie, who was living her life until chest pains like a persistent stand-up comedian started to interrupt her routine. Spoiler alert: it was SCLC. After getting the news, Vickie went through radiation and chemotherapy, until it metastasized to her brain. And if that doesn’t make your heart sink like a lead balloon, I don’t know what will!
SCLC has a reputation for being aggressive and relentless, much like a cat who really wants your attention at 3 am. With a five-year survival rate of only 7%, it’s no laughing matter. But here’s the incredible bit: throughout her uphill battle, Vickie leaned on her community and family for support while maintaining an active lifestyle. “It is a journey. You need to embrace it, and you need to try to find joy in every single day,” she says. Wisdom bombs from Vickie, taking the lemon life gives her and making the most zesty lemonade possible!
If you want to dive deeper into Vickie’s world, you can click here and geek out on her inspiring tale!
Resources for the Lung Cancer Community
So, folks, as we conclude our rollercoaster ride through the lung cancer landscape, remember that knowledge is your best friend. If you or someone you know is dealing with lung cancer, check out these resources:
– What are the key differences between non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and small cell lung cancer (SCLC) as experienced by Desiree and Vickie?
**Interview with Desiree and Vickie: Their Lung Cancer Journeys**
**Interviewer:** Thank you both for joining us today. Your stories shine a light on the importance of awareness and support in the fight against lung cancer. Desiree, let’s start with you. Can you describe the moment you received your NSCLC diagnosis?
**Desiree:** Thanks for having us! It genuinely felt like my world was turned upside down. One moment I was living my life, and the next—bam! Stage IV NSCLC. It was completely unexpected, like a jolt of cold water. But I quickly realized that I needed to take charge of my health.
**Interviewer:** That’s a powerful realization. You mentioned the importance of biomarker testing. How did that change your treatment approach?
**Desiree:** Absolutely crucial! After my diagnosis, I underwent biomarker testing and discovered I had the KRAS G12C mutation. This mutation occurs in about 1 in 8 NSCLC patients, and it essentially opened a door to targeted treatment options. For me, knowledge was power—it was like finally figuring out the rubik’s cube of my cancer!
**Interviewer:** That’s inspiring! Vickie, your experience was quite different as you faced SCLC. Can you share what symptoms led to your diagnosis?
**Vickie:** Sure! For years, I experienced intense chest pains, but I brushed them off thinking it was stress or something minor. It wasn’t until I faced the reality of my SCLC diagnosis that everything shifted. I remember it was devastating, especially knowing how aggressive SCLC is.
**Interviewer:** Indeed, SCLC is often known for its rapid progression. How have you managed to find joy during this challenging journey?
**Vickie:** It hasn’t been easy, but I try to embrace each day. I draw strength from my friends and family, who’ve been a tremendous support. I focus on finding small joys in my day-to-day life. It really is about living one day at a time, and that mindset helps me cope.
**Interviewer:** Thank you both for sharing your incredible stories. What would you say to someone who has just received a lung cancer diagnosis and is feeling lost?
**Desiree:** Don’t give up! Get informed about your options, especially biomarker testing. It might lead to targeted treatments that could be life-changing.
**Vickie:** Yes, and remember that you are not alone. Lean on your support system and take things one step at a time. There are people who care deeply and want to help you through this journey.
**Interviewer:** Great advice! Thank you both once again for sharing your journeys and raising awareness this Lung Cancer Awareness Month. Your strength and resilience are truly remarkable.
For more on their journeys, visit Desiree’s story [here](https://amgen.ly/2RjCSAH) and Vickie’s story [here](https://amgen.ly/2Rd4vvc). Don’t forget to #KnowYourLungs and prioritize your health!
