How I Found Out I Had Lung Cancer: I had NO Symptoms At First | Terri Ann's Story

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First, I want to say I’m really thrilled to be here sharing my story on The Patient Story.

I have a very active and fulfilling life. I am an avid cyclist and even use cycling as a way to raise funds for the lung cancer community. I am also an artist and have a studio at home. I enjoy being outdoors, writing, reading, creating art, and cycling. These hobbies are an important part of who I am and how I stay grounded.

My lung cancer journey began without any symptoms. It was discovered incidentally when a pulmonary nodule was found during an emergency room visit. I had gone to the ER after my primary care physician advised me to get checked due to chest pressure. My heart turned out to be fine, and stress was likely the cause of my symptoms. However, imaging revealed a nodule in my right lung.

At that time, a structured follow-up program monitored the nodule every six months for a couple of years. It was thought to be stable and possibly something congenital. I didn’t think much about it during that period because it never changed.

After about two years, the nodule showed a change. I was referred to a thoracic surgeon, who planned a biopsy during surgery. While I was on the table, it was confirmed that the nodule was malignant. As a result, the lower right lobe of my lung was removed when I was 44 years old.

The years following this were marked by careful surveillance. I was monitored regularly, first every six months and then annually. For about 11 years, I had no evidence of disease. During that time, I believed I was in the clear, especially after reaching the 10-year mark.

However, my experience with lung cancer did not end there. A year after my first diagnosis, my mother was also diagnosed with lung cancer in a very similar way, after going to the emergency room with symptoms that resembled a heart issue. In my family, six members have been diagnosed with lung cancer. Two of us were diagnosed early, and two have survived.

Over the years, I have had three lung cancer diagnoses in total. After my first surgery, a follow-up scan found something in my upper right lung. I underwent another surgery, but it turned out to be scar tissue, not cancer. Later, during routine imaging and follow-ups, additional concerns were identified.

One important lesson I learned is the importance of biomarker testing. I initially assumed all hospitals automatically perform this testing, but they do not. It is essential to ask whether enough tissue is being collected for biomarker and molecular testing. This information can reveal mutations that may allow for more effective, targeted treatments. It can truly change outcomes, and patients should actively request it.

After switching pulmonologists and continuing surveillance through CT scans, I was eventually diagnosed with lung cancer again. At one point, surgery was recommended that would have required removal of my entire lung due to tumor location and prior surgeries. Because the tumor was small, we explored alternatives.

Radiation oncology offered SBRT, a targeted form of radiation therapy. This treatment was not available at the time of my earlier diagnoses because technology had not advanced enough to precisely target moving organs like the lungs. With SBRT, I was able to receive focused treatment.

The difference in treatment experience over time has been significant. My first surgeries involved long hospital stays, chest tubes, severe pain, and months of recovery. In contrast, after radiation therapy, I was able to go on a 20-mile bike ride just a few days into treatment and returned to activity quickly afterward.

During follow-up imaging, a cloudy area appeared on my spine, raising concern for possible metastasis versus treatment-related damage. I was referred to medical oncology for further evaluation. Fortunately, it was determined to be radiation damage rather than metastasis. However, about eight months later, I experienced an embolic stroke caused by a blood clot blocking my right carotid artery. Recovery from the stroke took about eight months.

After recovery, I continued regular surveillance with CT scans and PET/CT imaging. Eventually, another suspicious nodule was found in my left lung during low-dose CT screening. Initially, we opted for watchful waiting until it became clear the lesion was changing and growing.

At that point, I met with both surgical and radiation oncology teams to evaluate options. I initially preferred radiation because of my past surgical experiences. However, my radiation oncologist explained that surgery would preserve future treatment options, whereas radiation could limit future surgical possibilities due to tissue damage. That information ultimately influenced my decision to proceed with surgery.

My surgeon was also involved in a clinical trial called Tumor Glow, which used a fluorescent dye to help visualize tumors during surgery. I chose to participate in the study. During surgery, not only was the known tumor identified, but a second previously undetected tumor was also discovered. Both were malignant, and the use of the imaging agent allowed the surgeon to remove only the necessary lung tissue while preserving as much function as possible.

Recovery went well, and I was able to return to my active lifestyle, including cycling. The imaging agent used in the study was later FDA approved for lung cancer, which made my participation even more meaningful to me. I also received an image of the glowing tumors, which I later turned into artwork with a friend. We called it “Beauty and the Beast.”

Participating in clinical trials is important to me because it contributes to advancing science and improving treatment options for future patients. Even if the direct benefit is limited, the broader impact on lung cancer care makes it worthwhile. Advances in treatment are urgently needed, and I am grateful to contribute in any way I can.

I now work with a medical team that includes a pulmonologist, interventional pulmonologist, medical oncologist, thoracic surgeon, and radiation oncologist. Because of my history and multiple occurrences, my case requires ongoing collaboration between specialists. I am an active participant in my care and ask many questions so I can make informed decisions. I encourage other patients to do the same, because no one is more invested in your health than you.

Early detection and consistent follow-up have played a major role in my journey. Lung cancer can exist even in active, healthy individuals, and symptoms are not always present. Staying on top of screenings and follow-ups can make a life-changing difference.

I also make it a point to build strong relationships with my doctors so they understand who I am, my lifestyle, and my goals. This helps guide treatment decisions that align with my quality of life.

At present, I am on six-month follow-up scans and considered to have no evidence of disease. I previously moved to three-month follow-ups after a COVID infection caused some lung damage, but I have since returned to a longer interval.

Scan results are always emotionally challenging. Scan anxiety is real, and I have experienced being blindsided before. However, I try to focus on what I can control. If there is no actionable issue, I do not let fear take over my life. I acknowledge the concern but continue living fully.

Exercise, especially cycling, helps me manage stress and stay mentally balanced. I also focus on mindfulness and being present, which helps me cope with uncertainty.

Beyond my personal journey, I am deeply involved in advocacy and fundraising. I work on legislative efforts to increase federal funding for lung cancer research. Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death, yet it receives less funding compared to other cancers. I also help connect newly diagnosed patients with support networks and others in similar situations.

My survivorship has given me a strong sense of responsibility. I feel compelled to give back, support others, and help improve outcomes for future patients and generations in my family. I believe I am here for a reason, and I want to use my experience to make a meaningful difference.