My Lung Cancer Symptoms: "They Thought it was Asthma!

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Lung cancer can happen to anyone. Cancer itself is not biased or prejudiced. It does not depend on appearance, race, religion, or lifestyle. It can affect anyone.

My name is Lauren Coye, and I am 25 years old. I enjoy hiking, running, biking, art, music, and spending time with my dog and family. When I was younger, many of my friends, including my twin sister, outgrew asthma. I never had asthma early on, but around age nine or ten, I began having difficulty breathing during exercise and daily activities. I developed bronchitis and pneumonia multiple times each year, often requiring intensive treatments like air mask nebulizers and missing school.

As I grew older into my teenage years and college, my condition worsened. Doctors prescribed different inhalers and medications, but nothing improved my symptoms. I continued to experience frequent infections, random fevers, and a constant wheeze. Breathing always felt tight, like something was squeezing my chest. I also had leg pain for years, which I assumed was unrelated.

In sixth grade, routine blood work showed abnormal red and white blood cell counts. I was briefly evaluated for leukemia but sent home without follow-up. Years later, in 2021, my symptoms became severe. While swimming in a lake, I suddenly could not breathe and nearly drowned. After that, I became increasingly ill, receiving multiple rounds of antibiotics for bronchitis, sinus infections, pneumonia, and upper respiratory infections. Despite treatment, I continued to have high fevers and worsening symptoms.

In November 2021, I became extremely sick at work with a 104-degree fever and severe chills. At the emergency room, tests revealed a collapsed lung. Doctors initially attributed it to mucus or scar tissue and suggested it would resolve. However, I had been seriously ill for months and believed something more serious was wrong. I repeatedly expressed concern that it might be lung cancer.

My family insisted on further testing, including a CT scan. When the scan was finally performed, doctors quickly identified a tumor and referred me to a specialist. The earliest available appointment was months away, which was unacceptable given my condition. My mother and I contacted multiple specialists until we found one who saw me within two days.

I had been experiencing symptoms for months, including a collapsed lung, yet earlier concerns were dismissed due to my age and non-smoking status. Doctors often assumed it could not be cancer. However, further evaluation confirmed the presence of a tumor blocking my airway and right lung.

In January 2022, I underwent a bronchoscopy to remove part of the tumor and restore airflow. The procedure lasted about 45 minutes. A few days later, I received confirmation that the tumor was a neuroendocrine lung cancer. Doctors estimated it had been growing for approximately 12 years, which explained my worsening respiratory issues over time.

After the diagnosis, I shifted focus to treatment. Initially, doctors expected to remove a small portion of my lung. However, further evaluation showed the tumor had spread within the lung. In March 2022, I underwent surgery, during which two lobes of my right lung were removed.

Recovery involved significant physical and mental challenges. I experienced pain, required medications, and had to rebuild my strength gradually. I made a conscious effort to stay active during recovery, starting with short walks and slowly increasing distance. Within two months, I was able to participate in and win a 5K run.

Living with reduced lung capacity requires ongoing adjustments. I remain cautious about infections, especially during cold and flu seasons, and take preventive measures such as wearing a mask in crowded places. The experience of diagnosis and treatment during the COVID-19 pandemic added additional challenges, including attending medical appointments alone.

I continue regular monitoring through scheduled scans. Initially, scans were every three months, then every six months, and now annually. On scan days, I dedicate time to self-care and try to create a positive routine around them.

This experience has reinforced the importance of self-advocacy. Patients must trust their instincts and push for answers when something feels wrong. Medical professionals rely on tests and observations, but individuals understand their own bodies best.

There is also a need to address misconceptions about lung cancer. Many people assume it only affects smokers, but this is not accurate. Lung cancer can occur in non-smokers and is increasingly seen in younger individuals, particularly women. It remains the leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide, exceeding the combined total of several other major cancers.

Sharing this message is important. Awareness can help reduce stigma and encourage earlier detection. Every person’s experience is different, but it is possible to take control of the situation by staying proactive and focused.

Despite the challenges, it is possible to find purpose. Physical activity, advocacy, and supporting others have become meaningful parts of life. While cancer brings uncertainty, it also presents an opportunity to create impact and contribute positively to others facing similar experiences.