Survivor Spotlight: Presley A. 

My name is Presley and I was diagnosed with stage 4 (IV) non-small cell lung cancer on Sept. 19, 2022. It felt like the rug had been pulled out from under me. I was only 34 years old, a wife, and a mother of four children all under the age of seven at the time.  

My symptoms were subtle and I would have never known they were related to lung cancer. I never felt sick, nor looked sick. My first symptom was an irregular menstrual cycle so I went to the OB/GYN who ran blood work, all of which came back normal. Because on the outside I appeared to be a healthy mother she dismissed me, brushed off my feelings of fatigue and irregular menses, and pinned it on exhaustion from motherhood. I had been tired for a long time and it turned out there was a greater reason why. Just a few weeks later I was on the floor changing my youngest son’s diaper, and decided to do some light stretching. That’s when I heard crunch! Something in my back locked up, leaving me immobilized on the floor for an hour and a half. I was moving some boxes the day before and thought that was the cause. My background in athletics told me to push through and the pain would subside.   

Fast forward two months later, a couple days after my son’s second birthday and I literally could not get off the couch due to the back pain. I told my husband, “You need to take me to the emergency room or I am going by ambulance.” The doctors at the ER gave me some medication to get back on my feet and referred me for an MRI. Everyone assumed it was a bulging or herniated disc because I looked healthy and did not feel “sick.” Cancer was NOWHERE on the radar. Little did I know my life was about to change forever.   

We were still in the car driving home from the MRI and “DING!” an email came through – the results were in. It was traumatizing to get results via email for something so significant that I knew nothing about. Before my diagnosis, I didn’t even know what an “oncologist” was; learning cancer lingo is like learning a whole new language. The results read, “Suspected widespread skeletal metastases. Moderate pathologic compression fracture of T8. Mass versus consolidation of the right upper lobe. Possible military lung nodules. Dedicated chest CT is recommended.” WHAT?! I was frantic, googling each of those words. I was filled with fear and just plain lost.   

The CT scan confirmed masses in my lungs, ovary, and liver along with lesions throughout my skeleton including the spine, ribs, scapula, and humerus. Next up was a biopsy of my spine, a PET scan, and an MRI of my brain. The biopsy and PET scan both confirmed malignancy – it felt like my world had been flipped upside down. A few days later I learned the cancer had also spread to my brain. The biopsy showed adenocarcinoma favoring lung primary, however, since there was a mass on my ovary they were still distinguishing if it was lung or ovarian cancer. That same week the radiation oncologist called me and indicated that they were very concerned I may break my hip because the tissue damage from the cancer in my humerus was profound. Radiation to my hip and spine was recommended right away.   

The next day I sat in her office and asked a simple question, “Is the cancer in my lymph nodes?”

“What do you mean in your lymph nodes?” she asked.   

“Well, I have heard that cancer is really bad if it is in your lymph nodes,” I replied.   

I will never forget her cold and stoic response. “It’s everywhere. This is stage 4 (IV) lung cancer.” Not only was this the first time I officially heard it was lung cancer, but it also was at the most advanced stage. I shut down and really couldn’t speak after that. The fear was immobilizing and it felt like I had just received a death sentence. She went on to tell me that there was no cure and that the radiation would act like a Band-Aid, only improving my quality of life.   

I came home that day and laid on the couch. I couldn’t open my eyes and face the reality of what I just learned. Every time I looked at my children I wanted to cry thinking about all of the graduations, weddings, and grandchildren I’d miss. That evening before bed I got down on my knees and prayed for better care. The next day my prayer was answered when I received a call scheduling me for an appointment at MD Anderson Cancer Center with a thoracic oncologist. Without hesitation, my mother and I booked flights to Houston.   

This is my favorite part of my story because it is when I gained HOPE! Upon arrival at the cancer center, I felt a sense of ease, I knew I was in the best hands in the country. Not only did each and every nurse and doctor take their time while talking with me, but for the first time a physician laid hands on me! Yes, this was the first time someone gave me a physical exam and listened to my heart and lungs. We did a liquid biopsy test to find out if I had any mutations and it came back EGFR positive. This was the best news! I could take targeted therapy, which is a sophisticated drug that can essentially “turn off” the mutation. I take an oral pill each day that precisely kills and attacks cancer cells only. Many call this medicine a miracle drug because it does exactly that – miraculously just after four months of taking my medication my scan was cancer-free!

In November of 2023, my scan showed a slight progression – (3 mm) to my primary tumor in my right upper lung. Radiation was performed at UC Davis by Dr. Daly. I will know more at my next scan in late March. During radiation, I have continued my targeted therapy, and I will likely be on the drug for life. The worst side effect I had from the drug was fatigue. I have to listen to my body and rest more often than I would like to some days.

Healing from the inside out has become almost a full-time job. I have vowed to put all my effort into sustaining my remission. I also believe the alternative therapies I have added to my healing journey have helped me get to “NED” – no evidence of disease.   

If I were to speak with someone just being diagnosed I would tell them the following:  

• Get your biomarkers tested ASAP.
• Read, read, and read! But STAY OFF GOOGLE! Make sure you’re reading valid medical research.
• Know that there is HOPE, a positive mindset goes a long way.
• Eat more plants.
• Take charge of your care team, find doctors, and healers that suit you.
• If you have children, hire a Child Life Specialist to help explain your diagnosis in kid-friendly terms.
• Reach out to GO2 for Lung Cancer – they can link you with fellow survivors.