Jodi Parker, a former oncology nurse who was originally diagnosed with Stage 4 non-small cell lung cancer in 2013, sat down with her son Joey, one of her primary caregivers, to discuss what motivated her to take an active role in her cancer care.

Parker has teamed up with GO2 for Lung Cancer and Merck on a new initiative – Worth The Fight: Taking On Lung Cancer. The program aims to empower people with advanced lung cancer, and their loved ones, to take an active role in their cancer care and talk to their healthcare team to understand the treatment options that might be right for them. While Parker recently learned that her cancer has returned, she is sharing her experience in the hopes of helping others who may be navigating a lung cancer diagnosis during these unprecedented times.

Joey and Jodi

JOEY: Mom, you continue to fight a courageous battle against advanced lung cancer. Thinking back to 2013, what was your initial reaction when the doctor told you that you had advanced lung cancer and how did that influence the way you thought about next steps?
JODI: When I first heard the news, I was numb and it was difficult for me to make sense of what my doctor was saying. Deciding whether to undergo treatment was a tough decision for me. My doctor said I had less than a year to live and I should get my affairs in order. My initial reaction was not to seek treatment; I’d planned on living out the rest of my life the best way I could and making the most out of the time I had left.

JOEY: I remember walking into the room with Grandma and Grandpa. Even before the oncologist shared your prognosis, a wave of emotions washed over me. What were you feeling as you processed this news?
JODI: As an oncology nurse, I saw firsthand the challenges of the disease – not just physically, but also emotionally and mentally. So, when I was diagnosed, I was shocked, scared and wanted to give up. I couldn’t believe this was happening to me and truthfully, I was terrified. I also knew that lung cancer was a particularly aggressive form of cancer, so I was doubtful treatment would make a difference in my outcome.

JOEY: It was definitely a hard pill to swallow when you told us that you didn’t want to pursue treatment. Of course, we wanted to change your mind because we didn’t want to lose you, but we also knew that we had to respect your wishes.
JODI: It was really hard to get the words out, but I wanted to be completely transparent with you, your dad and your sister. Even though you didn’t agree with my initial decision, you guys were so supportive every step of the way. This entire experience—plus what’s happening now in the world with COVID-19— has really showed me how important it is to have honest and open communication and a strong support system.

JOEY: Thankfully, you came around and decided to seek treatment. I think a lot of people can benefit from hearing about the moment you decided to fight.
JODI: One phone call changed everything. A trusted friend, who also happened to be a doctor, reminded me just how much I had to live for and encouraged me to learn more about my options before making my decision. After that conversation, I talked to my oncologist and asked about my treatment options. I decided that I wanted to fight my lung cancer. I wanted more time with you guys! I knew it would be a tough battle, but I was determined– and I had the best team behind me! Your sister really took charge of the practical side of my cancer – managing appointments and keeping all the details straight – while you were my emotional rock.

JOEY: Throughout this journey, I always tried to stay upbeat and think of little things to make you smile. I always wondered, once you made the decision to seek treatment, how did you personally stay motivated?
JODI: You guys were my motivation. My fight brought our family even closer together and I honestly don’t know what I would’ve done without you! I really looked forward to getting better and spending time as a family – especially once I knew I was going to be a grandma!

JOEY: Like you mentioned before, you were an oncology nurse for over 30 years. How did that impact your relationship with your healthcare team?
JODI: Even though I had many years of experience working on the medical side of cancer, I found it really difficult to absorb the information in the doctor’s office and couldn’t always think of the right questions to ask when I was sitting in the room. I’m really grateful that you and your sister were so mentally present and came to my appointments to take notes and help me understand everything. It didn’t surprise me to learn that at the time of diagnosis, 6 out of 10 patients reported they did not know what questions to ask during their visit and that a surprising number of patients and caregivers – 53% and 30% respectively – don’t feel informed enough to make a treatment decision. These patients and caregivers might not realize that there may be a small window to affect change and how important it is to fully understand the treatment options that might be right for them.

JOEY: You already know this, but we’re so proud of you Mom. Even as you face cancer again, you continue to work very hard to support others going through a similar experience.
JODI: Even though I am in the midst of another bout with lung cancer, I believe sharing my story – especially the important steps I took following my diagnosis – is key to helping others impacted by this disease. In the past, I’ve lent my voice to influence policy makers and I remain very active on social media to help guide others facing lung cancer get the help and resources they need.

JOEY: What’s one piece of advice you’d like to give people impacted by lung cancer?
JODI: I want others out there who have been diagnosed with advanced lung cancer to know that you are not alone, and you don’t have to give up. You have options and support resources like GO2 for Lung Cancer to help you through this journey. It is important to take action and talk to your care team and doctor about what works best for you and your health.

Visit www.fightlungcancer.com to download a discussion guide to help you and your loved ones have an informed conversation with your doctor about treatment options and additional support resources.