Navigating a Lung Cancer Diagnosis

I have received information and materials from AstraZeneca. The opinions stated are my own. This is a sponsored post. 

Navigating a Lung Cancer Diagnosis

Cancer is an ugly and devastating word. I pray everyday that the ugly “C” word could be eliminated from our vocabulary. Cancer, particularly lung cancer has recently reared it’s ugly head in our family.  This summer my mom, heard those devastating words, “you have lung cancer” and now our whole family dynamic has been turned upside down.

Navigating a Lung Cancer Diagnosis

Do You Know Someone with Cancer? Lung cancer is a complicated disease. Once you have a confirmed diagnosis you have a lot of options to consider when it comes to lung cancer treatment options. Chemotherapy, Radiation, Immunotherapy, Surgery,  and Genetic Testing are just a few of the medical terms you may learn and become familiar with. Forming a partnership with your healthcare providers and being an advocate for your own care is an important first step in your journey from treatment to recovery.

Our family has been able to rally together and help support our mom through  the ups and downs of a devastating lung cancer diagnosis.  We have only been dealing with this disease for three months and we all have learned a great deal of information about medical terms and treatment options. It is important for individuals that receive a lung cancer diagnosis to know exactly what they are dealing with.

Lung Cancer can change over time and new mutations can develop causing the disease to worsen. Genetic testing can reveal specific biomarkers that can identify the type of lung cancer you have been diagnosed with. There are many kinds of mutations and genetic testing can help identify them and play a part in determining treatment options.  For some patients, a blood based test and tissue biopsy may also help in determining a specific lung caner diagnosis.

Another word you will quickly learn is HOPE. The medical world has made many advances in the treatments and testing available for Lung Cancer. HOPE plays an important part in your treatment and care. It’s also important to know you are not on your own. There are many resources to help you maneuver through your lung cancer journey.

Navigating a Lung Cancer Diagnosis

Take time to navigate and get acquainted with the LVNG With Lung Cancer  community. In the community you will find a group of people living with lung cancer who are inspiring each other to face each day with authenticity, humor, hope and encouragement. Through LVNG With, AstraZeneca hopes to inspire, educate, connect and embrace people living with lung cancer at every step of their journey in an uplifting, validating and refreshingly authentic way that moves people from simply coping to living with their disease.

As my family continues to navigate this journey with lung cancer I am glad there are resources that give hope and help along the way. I am honored to be able to share the beginning of my families story. I want to encourage anyone that has been touched by lung cancer to stay strong and get support. Our family has hope in the Lord and the medical community he has gifted with the skills to help battle this ugly “C” word.

Don’t forget it’s important to be your own best advocate. If you are unable please appoint someone that can do the job when you can’t. You can win the lung cancer battle. Know your treatment options, know your diagnosis and know your rights.  This awful disease needs to be eliminated!

For more information on LVNG with Lung Cancer visit them on Instagram: LVNG With and Facebook: LVNG With. .