All Patient Stories

Can you tell us a bit about your journey with lung cancer? 

I received my diagnosis in November 2023. I was told I had ALK-positive (anaplastic lymphoma kinase positive) stage 4 lung cancer. In the months leading up to this, I had been experiencing back pain, along with shortness of breath and unintentional weight loss. Despite seeking medical help, I was told several times that it was sciatica.

I attended A&E four times and thought something was wrong with me. I was discharged each time without further tests. One morning, I woke up feeling extremely tired. I couldn’t lift my head from the pillow and my breathing was poor. My sister immediately called 999.

Initially, doctors thought I had a pulmonary embolism. However, after further scans, they found a mass in my chest and told me that it was suspected lung cancer. Additional tests confirmed that the cancer had spread.

When the doctor said, “We’ve found a mass in your chest, and we think it’s cancer,” my immediate response was:

 “Do people who have never smoked get lung cancer?” 

I had always assumed lung cancer and smoking went together. 

What are some challenges you have faced along your journey and how have you stayed positive or dealt with them? 

Three themed panels with icons. Mobility: “My mobility has been greatly affected since the cancer spread to my bones, although it is improving slowly with physiotherapy.” Understanding the diagnosis: “Fully understanding the diagnosis has been challenging, and I have found it helpful to have someone I trust with me to ask questions on my behalf.” Managing medications: “Adjusting to taking many medications has been difficult, especially as I have always disliked taking medicines. There are some ways to help this, for example using an app to track medication.”
Click here to find out about what Sylvie wishes more people knew about living with cancer
Quote from Sylvie - “You can live a good life following a diagnosis. It is hard to wrap your head around it in the early days, but it is possible. Lung cancer is nothing to be ashamed of. Many people associate it with smoking, and I therefore find myself telling them that I have never smoked. People suddenly feel sorry for me which I don't like.”

What message would you like to share with others who have been newly diagnosed or are living with the condition? 

  • Take care of your mental health.
  • It is ok to be angry, upset, tearful, and sometimes lost
  • Accept all the help that is offered to make your life easier.
  • It will get easier with time.

Personally, I push myself every day. I climb those stairs even when I'm tired  (I couldn’t before). I exercise my muscles so I can walk and do normal things. This is an improved version of me. 

Being with my family and friends, travelling when I can, and appreciating my time alone brings me strength.