My Story

My name is Larry Gershon. I am 72 years old, live in Palo Alto, California, and have been married to my wife for 46 years. In addition to being a husband, father of two, and grandfather, I am also a veteran. I retired from the military in 1995 as a Navy Captain after serving as a Naval Flight Officer for most of my career. My flying experience was as a Tactical Coordinator on the P-3 Antisubmarine Warfare Aircraft.

I was diagnosed with stage IV non-small cell adenocarcinoma in January of 2013 and I have an EGFR mutation. My lung cancer diagnosis was accidental. I had a bad cold and I was experiencing asthma symptoms in early 2013. I went to my local medical facility urgent care office where I received antibiotics and a steroid inhaler. These medications resolved my cold and asthma symptoms over the next few days, but the doctor wanted me to have a chest X-ray before I left the office to make sure I didn’t have pneumonia. The good news was I didn’t have pneumonia. The bad news was the X-ray showed a small spot on my upper right lung. Over the next 3 weeks, I had a CT scan, followed by a PET scan, then a surgical biopsy, and finally a brain MRI. The final diagnosis on Valentine’s Day 2013 was stage IV non-small cell lung cancer. I had no symptoms that would lead anyone to believe I had lung cancer. I was a never smoker. I am one of many who prove that anyone with lungs can get lung cancer.

My Treatment Journey

Over the past seven plus years, I have had three different systemic treatment protocols. First was chemo, followed by two different targeted therapy drugs over the last five plus years. I have had a few complications and procedures during the seven years since I was diagnosed. I had cyberknife treatment on three different brain metastases in 2014. One of those metastases eventually had to be surgically removed 2016. Avascular necrosis, assumed to be caused by high doses of steroids I took during chemo treatment caused my right hip to deteriorate, requiring hip replacement surgery. Shortly after my lung cancer diagnosis, I was also diagnosed with type II diabetes. I have been able to control the diabetes with diet and exercise and have never needed to take medication or insulin.

All three of my systemic treatments have brought with them a variety of side effects. While on my first targeted therapy medication in September of 2016, I developed a blood clot in my right calf. It was the most painful of my complications but was resolved with no further complications thanks to medication and aggressive treatment.

Despite these complication and treatments, I am a very lucky person. I have been on my current targeted therapy medication for almost four years now and I have had clear scans for more than two years.

Finding Support

I was extremely fortunate early in my life with lung cancer to find the Bonnie J. Addario Lung Cancer Foundation, which is now GO2 for Lung Cancer since merging with Lung Cancer Alliance in 2019. GO2 for Lung Cancer has provided me one-on-one support to help me know what questions to ask my oncologist each time my lung cancer has progressed. Through the Foundation’s monthly Lung Cancer Living Room series, I have learned more about my lung cancer. I firmly believe the Living Room and the amazing people at GO2 for Lung Cancer have played a significant role in my ongoing successful treatment.

Larry-Gershon-GO2

I have learned to advocate for my own treatment and to continuously follow current developments for future treatments for my type of lung cancer. The next time my lung cancer progresses, I will be an active participant in the discussion with my oncologist to determine the best options for my next treatment plan. I have learned that educated, empowered, and proactive patients live longer. I have learned that a multidisciplinary medical team is vital to my continuing treatment plan.

The knowledge I have gained from GO2 for Lung Cancer inspires me to encourage lung cancer patients and caregivers to learn about their specific types of lung cancer and take advantage of the services and support GO2 for Lung Cancer offers.

My Advice

I have a loving family and a great group of friends. They all support me and make my life wonderful. My advice to other lung cancer survivors is to focus on today so you can enjoy the many wonders of the world around you. And to educate yourself about your lung cancer, so you can be an enthusiastic participant in your ongoing treatment plan.