My First Six Months with Lung Cancer
November 1, 2023
Shelley Haga is a senior HR manager in the chemical industry. She lives on the Gulf Coast of Florida and enjoys time with her family and friends, the beach, her community, traveling, and great food. Shelley has an adult daughter and a dog named Nova, who enjoys two to four-mile walks daily.
Shelley’s story
On April 18, 2023, I received a call informing me that the biopsy I’d had on a tumor that was discovered in my lungs showed that it was malignant. It was lung cancer. In that moment, I felt like the echo of those words seeped inside every layer of my mind and memory. In moments of shock like this, where do you go? There is no safe place, no place to hide, no place to run. I sat in stunned silence as my life flashed before my eyes.During the following days, I started to find some acceptance in my diagnosis although this looked different from what I would have expected. Instead of crying or falling apart, I mostly worried about my family. Watching their grief and shock was worse than what I was feeling myself. I am the type of person who always takes care of my family, and even after I was diagnosed with lung cancer, I felt like I couldn’t let myself fall apart for their sake.However, I soon realized I had to allow myself to cry, hurt, and grieve. I grieved what I had lost – that there would never be another day of my life that I did not have to worry about cancer. It seemed like my days were suddenly numbered; even if I lived to be 80 or 90 or beyond, I was suddenly aware in a new way that I wouldn’t live forever. I learned through my diagnosis – before I even knew whether the cancer had spread or not – that every day of my life moving forward would be a blessing and a gift.I found it challenging at this point to go to work, make decisions, or participate in meetings and calls. I went to work every day for four weeks with my head completely somewhere else. It felt like the weight of the world was on my shoulders, and it was probably the most difficult four weeks of work in my life.I also learned quickly that our healthcare system is challenging. I did not know where to turn or who could help me. Thankfully, I found GO2 for Lung Cancer and called the HelpLine, where I connected with Miranda Goff. Miranda became my advocate and go-to person for help.She explained what questions to ask andwhat to consider when choosing a second opinion. Miranda provided much-needed emotional support throughout the experience. She also connected me with a Phone Buddy who had also been diagnosed with lung cancer so that I could talk to someone with personal experience with the disease.On Sept. 15, 2023, I had surgery to remove the tumor in my lung. I was lucky to learn that the cancer had not spread to other parts of my body. I work every day rebuilding my emotional and physical health. I am thrilled to report that a month later, I am feeling strong, hopeful, and am looking forward to everything that is to come for me.
Lung cancer questions? Contact our free HelpLine at support@go2.org or 1-800-298-2436.