My name is Lindy Arman and I was diagnosed with small cell lung cancer (SCLC) in April 2020. I had recently had knee surgery which resulted in leg swelling that landed me in the emergency room. While there, they performed bloodwork which revealed extremely low sodium levels—which I now know is a hormonal impact of SCLC. After a CT scan and biopsy, I was diagnosed with extensive-stage small cell lung cancer with metastases to the liver and lymph nodes. I was very scared, did not know what to expect, and certainly did not understand the emotional roller coaster that would come with a lung cancer diagnosis.
After my biopsy, I was back in the hospital within two days because of internal bleeding. My doctor told me that I could live two to three years with chemotherapy, and just two to three weeks without it. After completing four rounds of chemotherapy, a follow-up CT scan showed improvement in my lung, liver and lymph nodes. I began immunotherapy and have been considered in remission since January 2021.
Throughout my lung cancer journey, I have found strength from the people in my life – both those I knew before my diagnosis and those I have met since. I feel very blessed and supported by my family, especially my oldest granddaughter, her husband and my three great grandchildren with whom I live. I’ve joined groups to help others newly diagnosed with lung cancer, including a cancer mentorship program my friend started in Ohio and GO2 for Lung Cancer’s Phone Buddy Program, which I’ve found very rewarding. My faith has played a large role in keeping me strong the past few years. Despite the immense challenges, my faith never wavered.
My advice to someone newly diagnosed is to make sure you have a great, compassionate health care team. Communication and knowing what to expect during your treatment is very important. I’d also suggest considering a clinical trial. I’m in a clinical trial for immunotherapy—and it’s working! My final piece of advice is to find a cancer support group. These groups offer connection and opportunity for real, meaningful friendships.
Help raise awareness and offer hope to those newly diagnosed or going through a tough time. Share your lung cancer story today!
My mother diagnosed with lung cancer plz suggest for her treatment .
Hi Ekta,
Please know that we are here every step of the way through your mother’s lung cancer journey. Our LungMATCH program is a free treatment navigation and clinical trial matching resource that can help you and your mother better understand options to discuss with her treatment team. Our LungMATCH navigators can help clarify treatment options, explain and refer your mother for comprehensive biomarker testing, and help identify appropriate clinical trials for consideration. To connect with a member of our LungMATCH team, call 800-298-2436, email support@go2.org or fill out the form on this page.
I was diagnosed with Stage IV NSCLC in 2001. First round of chemo and radiation took care of it. However, it reared it’s head the next year in my brain. Lots more radiation took care of that. There were some recurrences and radiation and chemotherapy did the job. All I can say is keep fighting and don’t give up.