Natalie Brown, a courageous lung cancer survivior, and patient advocate.

Natalie Brown

If you have lungs, you can potentially develop lung cancer: © stock.adobe.com.

It was the summer of 2020, and I was extremely worried about COVID-19 and how it would impact my health if I caught it. I had no idea that on top of that, I would have to worry about a stage 4 lung cancer diagnosis.

I was completely shocked and had no idea where this diagnosis came from. I thought that only smokers got this disease, and I was not a smoker nor was I around people who smoked. I went through a lot of different testing and throughout the testing process was even told that it was not cancer. I know a lot of people who went to therapy, and I had never considered anything like that until I got diagnosed. Not only had I been tested physically, but mentally as well. I needed help, and lots of it.

A strong support system is needed when going through situations like that, and I definitely had a strong village. A lot of my relationships have shifted during my diagnosis, but I couldn’t let it affect me too much; I had to keep moving forward. When you get sick, a lot of things change in your life, and the things that seem important no longer are.

I started my initial treatment in August of 2020. Over the course of the years, I have had six different chemotherapy treatments, immunotherapy, radiation, and three clinical trials. One thing that really helped me a lot throughout this process was getting a dog. He was like an emotional support animal for me, and I became more active when I took him on walks and played with him. I was told that unfortunately, I would never be cured of the disease, but it could be treated. I was not happy with that, but I really had no choice but to accept it.

One day I was having a conversation with my pulmonologist, and she thought that I would be a good candidate for a double lung transplant. This program is considered a clinical trial that would remove the cancer from the lungs by having this transplant. I went through all of the testing required for the program and got approved for the transplant. I had the transplant, which was by far the most difficult procedure that I had ever done.

I was told that I was cancer-free and everything was going great. About two to three months later, things somehow changed. My lung cancer had returned with my new lungs, and this time it had spread to my spine, which was totally new for me. I was still glad that I got the surgery because there was a difference in how I felt before surgery versus after surgery. There are still a lot of unanswered questions regarding how and why the cancer returned.

I am currently undergoing treatment, which consists of chemo and sometimes radiation. I still seem to be doing pretty well, considering all things. I do deal with pain from time to time because of my spine. I am currently working on increasing my advocacy by sharing my story and working with different organizations to help educate others.

I feel that it is very important to let the world know that no matter how healthy you think you are, if you have lungs, you can potentially develop lung cancer.

This piece reflects the author’s personal experience and perspective. For medical advice, please consult your health care provider.

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Articles

A stage 4 lung cancer diagnosis during the COVID-19 pandemic led to a transformative journey involving multiple treatments, including chemotherapy, immunotherapy, radiation, and clinical trials. Despite a double lung transplant initially deemed successful, the cancer recurred, spreading to the spine. The experience underscored the importance of a strong support system and the unpredictability of cancer, even in non-smokers. The author emphasizes the need for awareness that anyone with lungs can develop lung cancer and is now focused on advocacy and education to share this message.

It is very important to let the world know that no matter how healthy you think you are, if you have lungs, you can potentially develop lung cancer.

Natalie Brown

Lung Cancer Can Affect Anyone, Even Non-Smokers

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