When Heidi Hanson was diagnosed with stage 4 metastatic small cell lung cancer (SCLC) in December 2021, it wasn’t the typical story. Heidi had been suffering from headaches and dizziness which sent her to the emergency room. It was there that she was told surgery was needed to remove a tumor on her brain. When doctors tested the tumor they discovered that her cancer started in her lungs – she had small cell lung cancer and it spread to her brain.

This wasn’t the first time that Heidi heard the words, “you have cancer.” Earlier in life, she was successfully treated for unrelated breast and bladder cancers. With her signature energy and positivity, she jokingly says that she’s had the “3 Bs: breast, bladder and brain cancers.”

Heidi’s been treated for her small cell lung cancer with chemo, radiation and an immunotherapy drug called Tecentriq. Her first follow-up PET scan showed only one spot on her lung, which was treated with radiation. Her second follow-up PET scan showed no evidence of disease! She’s currently continuing Tecentriq with close monitoring.

We talked to Hanson about inspiration, where she finds strength and her advice for people who are newly diagnosed with lung cancer.

Maintain a positive attitude, keep moving, and ask for help.

Hanson believes you must be honest about how you’re feeling. “It’s okay to say you’re scared. It’s okay to say you don’t know how you feel. It’s okay to wallow around and feel depressed—but don’t stay there.” She notes that while it’s helpful to be positive, you have to give yourself permission to feel down every now and then.

Hanson added that she also follows her doctor’s orders —eats small meals of healthy foods, drinks a lot of water, limits sweets and gets plenty of exercise. Hanson said, “No matter how I feel, I walk. Moving and exercise help to keep my body and mind healthy.”

Most importantly, Hanson emphasized that you can’t fight lung cancer alone. “When people want to do something for you, let them,” she stressed. “And don’t be afraid to ask for help. Talk to a therapist or a good friend when you need support.”

Do your research—and be your own advocate.

“I’m not afraid of lung cancer,” said Hanson, “and I stand up for what I do and don’t want.”

She explained that she did her research and chose a doctor she trusts. Her advice to others diagnosed with SCLC is to read and learn all you can so that you can walk into your doctor’s office with confidence—and your questions. “Find out where to get the best treatment, who is the best person to see, and how to get a second opinion,” she said. “You find peace of mind when you have the right care.”

Live in the present.

Hanson advises other people diagnosed with lung cancer to live in the present moment. “I’ve found it is best not to look too far into the future,” she said. “Just get up and go today. Take it one day at a time and don’t put off the things that are important to you.”

We are excited to bring you more stories about living with lung cancer in upcoming issues of Your Community, including features about survivorship, wellness, and practical tips about living well with lung cancer. If you have ideas on topics or stories you’d like to read about here, please email yourcommunity@go2.org.