Lung cancer. Those two words were never on my radar. As a non-smoker, it simply wasn’t something I ever thought I needed to worry about. And yet, at the age of 48, when I was feeling vibrant, full of life, and in good health, I received a diagnosis that would change everything. Stage IV lung cancer. Not only that, but it had already spread metastasizing to my brain and bones. The shock and fear that came with those words were overwhelming, not just for me, but for my family and friends as well.
And yet, here I am 4 ½ years later! Surviving, thriving, and still very much here. If you’re reading this and have been touched by lung cancer whether personally or through someone you love—I want you to know that there is hope. Even with a Stage IV diagnosis, there is light ahead, and I want to help pass that hope along to others who may need it.
I especially hope that anyone searching for information about the rare type of lung cancer I have, known as “ALK positive,” will find this page useful. If you or a loved one has received a similar diagnosis, please know that you are not alone. I am living proof that life can go on and be beautiful even with a Stage IV cancer diagnosis.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is ALK+ Lung Cancer?
ALK+ lung cancer is a type of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) that occurs due to a genetic mutation in the ALK (anaplastic lymphoma kinase) gene. This mutation causes cancer cells to grow and spread. Though lung cancer is often associated with smoking, ALK+ lung cancer primarily affects non-smokers and only accounts for about 5% of NSCLC cases worldwide. It is rare, but thanks to advances in research, treatment options have significantly improved in recent years.
What caused your cancer?
That’s the million-dollar question. Unfortunately, researchers still don’t fully understand why the ALK gene mutates and triggers cancer growth. Unlike some genetic conditions, this is not a hereditary mutation, meaning I didn’t inherit it from my parents, and I can’t pass it on to my children. Scientists continue to study possible environmental or unknown factors, but as of now, no definitive cause has been identified. What I do know is that it wasn’t something I could have predicted or prevented.
What kind of treatment are you on?
I am currently on a targeted therapy, which involves taking oral medication twice a day—morning and night. These pills specifically target the ALK+ gene mutation, initially shrinking my cancerous masses and now keeping them from growing or mutating further. Unlike traditional chemotherapy, which attacks both cancerous and healthy cells, targeted therapy works at a molecular level to disrupt the cancer’s ability to spread.
How long will you be on treatment?
For the rest of my life. That’s the reality of Stage IV cancer. I will remain on this targeted therapy for as long as it continues to be effective. When it eventually stops working—because cancer, unfortunately, tends to adapt—I will move on to another treatment option. Thankfully, there are several other targeted therapies I can try before turning to more traditional treatments like IV chemotherapy and radiation. I also undergo regular monitoring, including bloodwork, heart and eye exams, brain MRIs, and chest/abdomen CT scans every 8–12 weeks. These tests help ensure that my medication remains effective and isn’t causing other complications.
Are you sick?
No! At least, not in the way people often expect. Right now, while my targeted therapy is working, I feel well enough to live my life. I have definitely slowed down, and I deal with some side effects like fatigue, edema, and other minor issues, but overall, I still feel like myself. I have learned to listen to my body, rest when needed, and prioritize the things that bring me joy.
Are you in remission?
No, but I am stable. That’s a term I’ve come to love “stable.” It means my cancer isn’t getting worse. While my current treatment successfully eradicated the cancer from my bones, I still have tumors in my lung and brain. They are no longer shrinking, but they also aren’t growing. That’s a huge win! When the day comes that the cancer starts growing again, it will be called “progression.” Until then, I am grateful for every stable scan and every day I get to wake up feeling like me.
Looking Ahead: Life, Love, and Hope
When I was first diagnosed, I did what so many of us do—I turned to the internet, desperate to understand what my future might look like. The statistics weren’t reassuring. ALK+ lung cancer has historically been associated with a short life expectancy. But here’s the thing—statistics are not destiny. And in just the past few years, the landscape of ALK+ treatment has dramatically changed. There are people living far beyond the original prognosis for this disease, and I fully intend to be one of them. Every breakthrough in research buys us more time, and I am filled with hope that better treatments—and maybe even a cure—are on the horizon.
Right now, my kids are in college, and I am so excited to watch their lives unfold. Their careers, their relationships, their adventures—it all fills me with so much anticipation. I can’t wait to travel more with my husband, Mark, and to create even more joyful memories with my family and friends.
Can You Work? Are You Still DIY-ing?
Yes! While I won’t be tackling massive home renovations like I used to, I am still very much invested in creative projects and smaller DIYs. I have always found so much joy in making things with my hands, and that hasn’t changed. If you’ve been following my blog, you know that DIY is a big part of who I am. I plan to keep sharing projects, ideas, and inspiration with all of you. If you’re new here, welcome! I’ve been blogging for over a decade, and here are a few of my most popular posts:
[Links to my most popular DIY posts]
Through it all, I am reminded of these powerful words:
The human heart beats approximately 4,000 times per hour, and each pulse, each throb, each palpitation is a trophy engraved with the words ‘You are still alive.’ You are still alive. Act like it.
—Rudy Francisco
I am beyond grateful for the love, kindness, and support I have received from family, friends, and this amazing community. Whether you are here because of a shared love for DIY or because you are navigating your own cancer journey, know that you are not alone. We can survive. We can thrive. And yes—we can still DIY!
For more info about ALK+ cancer check out ALKPOSITIVE.ORG.
Thank you for being here. 💛
