Broken limb leads to non-smoker's lung cancer diagnosis years later

Key Concepts

• Pulmonary Embolism (PE)
• Blood Clot
• CT Scan
• PET Scan
• Biopsy
• Cancer Diagnosis
• Robotic Surgery
• Lung Lobe Resection
• Lymph Node Biopsy
• Chemotherapy
• Post-surgical Recovery
• Importance of Follow-up Appointments

Personal Health Journey and Cancer Diagnosis

The speaker recounts two significant health events that preceded her cancer diagnosis. The first occurred when she was younger, involving a truck wheel detaching and hitting her, resulting in a broken leg and subsequent surgery. This surgery led to a blood clot and a pulmonary embolism (PE) that traveled to her lungs. Approximately seven years later, she underwent surgery on her foot, which again resulted in a blood clot and a PE.

Discovery of "Fuzziness" on CT Scan

During a medical examination, a doctor observed "fuzziness" on a CT scan. Initially, the speaker dismissed it as potential damage from her previous pulmonary embolisms. However, the doctor, unconvinced by her self-diagnosis, recommended a PET scan for further investigation.

Escalation to Biopsy and Diagnosis

Following the PET scan, the speaker received an urgent call from her doctor's office, requesting a follow-up appointment the next day. She brought her husband along, sensing the visit was not routine. During this appointment, the doctor suggested a biopsy, despite acknowledging it might be nothing.

Shock and Disbelief at Cancer Diagnosis

The speaker expresses her profound shock and disappointment at being diagnosed with cancer, especially given her history as a highly active kickboxer and boxer in her early thirties. She had always prioritized physical fitness and competed internationally, including in Golden Gloves. The diagnosis shattered her perception of being immune to such illnesses and served as a significant awakening to her health status, despite appearing healthy on annual medical forms.

Aggressive Treatment and Robotic Surgery

Feeling too young to be passive about her diagnosis, the speaker opted for an aggressive approach. She underwent robotic surgery, which resulted in minimal scarring, with five small incisions on her back. The surgery involved removing a section of her right lower lung lobe, rather than an entire lobe.

Lymph Node Biopsy and Absence of Chemotherapy

During the surgery, samples of lymph nodes were taken and tested. Fortunately, these samples showed no signs of cancer, meaning the speaker did not require chemotherapy. Her recovery was primarily focused on healing from the surgery itself.

Post-Surgical Recovery and Lingering Effects

The speaker reports that her running and breathing abilities are largely unaffected. However, she experiences some numbness around the front of her body in the area where the lung tissue was removed. She views this numbness as a positive reminder of her experience and recovery, contributing to her strength.

The Critical Role of Trusting Doctors and Follow-up Appointments

A key takeaway emphasized by the speaker is the importance of trusting medical professionals and adhering to follow-up appointments. She credits her willingness to attend the follow-up appointment, despite initial dismissal of the scan findings, with preventing cancer from taking control of her life and enabling her to regain it. She posits that had she ignored the follow-up, the cancer might have continued to grow undetected.