When you hear the doctor say the words “small cell lung cancer,” life suddenly changes. You may feel overwhelmed and grieved, lost or angry, or you may feel nothing at all. It is okay to move through all kinds of emotions when you are processing a cancer diagnosis. The truth is, no matter how you are feeling at this very moment, hope is always there.

Hope for Your Future.

This knowledge comes straight from those who know exactly how life with small cell lung cancer (SCLC) can twist and turn and how life can also lead to unexpected fulfillment, joy, and positivity. Marianne was diagnosed with SCLC as a 41-year-old mother and was given a 5% chance of survival. Her thoughts went straight to her young daughter. Outside of her cancer treatments, she focused her “limited” time and energy on being with her daughter and making special memories. That was 13 years ago and countless memories later! Marianne wants you to know that your personal cancer story cannot be defined by statistics or predictions.

After a SCLC diagnosis, life changes. Thinking about life as you now know it may bring feelings of loss. That is also true for Matt, but his story  is a bit different. Matt wants you to know that loss is not always negative. SCLC has brought profound changes in his life, but he would almost choose cancer again rather than miss out on the life he has now. His relationships are deeper, he sees every day as an opportunity to live a better life, and he is living in the present rather than looking back. As a Vietnam vet living with PTSD, these life changes are profound.

Lindy wants you to know that sometimes what feels like an ending is actually a beginning, as a new purpose in life reveals itself. After having to leave her job assisting those with drug and alcohol dependencies, Lindy felt tremendous grief. She loved her job and loved helping others. She heard about a lung cancer patient mentor program where patients help other patients and she decided to reach out. She realized instead of receiving support, she could provide support to those newly diagnosed with SCLC. As a Phone Buddy with GO2 for Lung Cancer, she has found fulfillment and purpose in helping others in a new way, and the rewards are endless.

Hope in Your Treatment.  

Marianne, Matt, and Lindy are very familiar with the ongoing challenges of living with SCLC. Their perspectives and experiences are different from each other, but each personalized their journey and found what works for them.

Matt, like many, was diagnosed with extensive disease. He was extremely sick at the time and his doctor did not think he would be able to survive treatment – but that was two years ago and counting! Matt’s advice is to learn everything you can about your disease and get a second opinion. Figure out how to live with cancer and be, think, and do positive things.

Lindy was diagnosed with extensive SCLC after knee surgery and unusual symptoms caught her doctor’s attention. She is being treated through a clinical trial and uses her faith in God to keep her strong. She encourages people to know what to expect during treatment and be open to clinical trials.

Marianne has found success in long-term immunotherapy and says her faith and sense of humor has helped her through. She says that helping others and making people laugh is uplifting and helps her to feel purposeful.  True to her philosophy, her doctor caught her scratching out “terminal cancer “on her paperwork and replacing it with “chronic cancer”. Thirteen years after her diagnosis, this is much more accurate!

Hope in Connecting with Others.

Regardless of how far you are into your SCLC diagnosis, connecting with others is one of the most important things you can do for your wellbeing. Marianne wants you to know that if you don’t have someone to support you right now, find someone. Lindy agrees that family support and connecting with people that truly understand SCLC and what you are going through is huge. Matt admits that he closed himself off from people much of his life. Through his cancer experience, and allowing people into his life, he was profoundly affected by the outpouring of love and support from people he did not know cared about him. Matt encourages people with lung cancer  to surround themselves with positive people and let others in.

Each person with a SCLC diagnosis will have their own story. They will have their own challenges, joys, fears, pain, and celebrations. The voices of those currently living with SCLC are loud and clear. With a foundation of hope, life continues to provide opportunities in ways we cannot imagine.

At GO2 for Lung Cancer, we are here to provide you with the support and information you need, when you need it. Contact our HelpLine by phone (1-800-298-2436) or email (support@go2.org) to connect today.