In 2019, Matt Peterson, a Vietnam veteran, was diagnosed with extensive-stage small cell lung cancer.  He was told by his doctor, “This is a life-limiting diagnosis. You will not survive this.” Many people with small cell hear similar words or read information online that feels dire or hopeless, and then have to struggle their way out of that feeling. The truth is that we all have our own life stories and experiences that can’t be predicted or defined by statistics and data. When you have a small cell lung cancer diagnosis, your story is your own. You will have ups and downs, celebrations and lessons to learn, but you get to decide how to move through it. Here are a few thoughts from Matt and lessons learned along the way.

Let people help.

Matt has always been very independent. To admit that help was needed, and to allow people to help was extremely difficult. He’s learned through his experience that if you let others help you, it can be a gift to both the giver and the receiver. He says it’s about letting people show you who they are. If you turn people away who want to do something for you, you haven’t allowed them to be themselves. You make very special memories by opening up to people and those experiences.

“It’s just a part of the process.”

Resisting the things you can’t control makes everything harder. Losing hair, dealing with side effects and waiting for scan results are all just a part of the process. It’s not easy but if you keep stepping forward, you’ll eventually walk through it and it will be behind you. When things get hard, say to yourself or out loud: “It’s just a part of the process.”

Focus on one step at a time with treatment.

There is no need to look far into the future. Find a treatment team you trust and keep your thoughts in the present. At each treatment decision:

  1. Discuss your treatment options with your doctor
  2. Get a second opinion from an expert
  3. Then decide on the best treatment for you

Listen to your body and your instincts.

Matt says in Vietnam, he had to rely on his instincts to survive and that mindset has always stayed with him. He listens to his instincts and what his body is telling him and talks to his doctor about anything that concerns him. You know your body better than anyone else. It’s important to share what you feel and know with the people who are managing your health.

Stay positive.

Matt believes that keeping people around you who have positive energy and who are upbeat is the most important thing to do. Positive thinking helps the body and mind in more ways than we know and besides that, it just feels better. It’s okay to feel discouraged, disappointed or down sometimes, but it’s also good to know how to bring yourself out of those feelings. Laughter really can be the best medicine.

On October 13, 2022, Matt Peterson passed away. His legacy and fight is continued by his daughter Amy Kampschroeder, MA OTR/L CHES, GO2’s Manager, Patient Outreach & Special Initiatives. Matt’s passing fuels our fight–and we hope it motivates you to take action by advocating for all those impacted by lung cancer.