I couldn’t stop myself from typing the words into google, even though I knew I didn’t want the answer. What is the survival rate for stage 4 lung cancer? I didn’t want the answer, yet I had to know.
I was 29 years old, barely married a year, and hadn’t started having babies yet. And even though the answers google gave me were grim, I couldn’t imagine a life without my mom in it.
The 5-year survival rate for stage 4 lung cancer is one percent. (source) That was the statistic that haunted me, along with doctors who said thing like, “This treatment is only palliative.”
Yet, here she is.
10 years after her diagnosis of Stage 4 Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer with Metastasis to the Brain, my mom is ALIVE.
I couldn’t even tell you what statistical group she joins today because there isn’t a website out there that gives statistics for the 10-year survival rate of people with her diagnosis. We can all surmise that it’s lower than 1%.
My mom’s cancer diagnosis changed me. Not only did it change me, it changed the trajectory of my life.
I became a student of health and nutrition. At first, it was to alleviate the feelings of helplessness that come with such a diagnosis. There had to be something I could do to help my mom.
Later, the insatiable need to continue learning about different facets of health was fueled by my own desire to avoid disease. The life I imagine for myself, especially as I get older, has no room for sickness.
I know my food and lifestyle choices aren’t 100% protective and even people who live the healthiest of lifestyles still get sick. Because there are anomalies is not a reason to discard the lifestyle that’s going to give me the best chance at being the happy, healthy mama I want to be.
My mom’s cancer diagnosis and survival have also taught me something else. They’ve taught me about the importance of living while we are alive. I am acutely aware of the fragility of life and experiencing those months where the survival of my mom were in question gave that to me.
Nobody is guaranteed tomorrow. Not you, and not the people you love. It may sound like a trite cliché to say live today like tomorrow will never come. But really, that’s what I strive to do. I’m overly sentimental and know that the time I have with my family and close friends is important. I cherish the relationships in my life that bring me joy. Even though I hate cancer, I can give it a nod for shaping my perspective on life.
Mom, today I celebrate YOU. Remember when I told you you’d survive to see my children? I knew you would! Congratulations on being a 10 year cancer survivor! Fight on, Maggie!
If you are interested, I also wrote about my mom’s cancer diagnosis and treatments here and here.
Thanks for sharing
Hi Maryea,
Wonderful and inspiring!
My mother has been diagnosed with stage 3 lung cancer. I needed to know about the diet requirements she needs to be in. Could you please get in touch and advise.
oh sorry about that
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Hi, Not sure if you’ll see this at this point, but I came across your blog while looking up 10 year survival rates of Stage 4 lung cancer- can’t find much, but as you surmise, it must be very low. My mom is going to have her 10 year anniversary in January- she wasn’t supposed to make it even 6 months. She had brain metasteses (spelling?) as well. She had a lung and part of her brain removed, a ton of radiation chemo etc (that had some long lasting effects which have been hard, not sure if that was an issue for your mom). But she’s here. She was diagnosed when I was in my late 20s and she made it to see me get married and have a baby. Just surprised to see someone with such a similar situation.
I sent you an email, Melissa!
Hey please can you describe all the treatments which your mom has taken
My mom is suffering from same disease
Please help
Hi there. I’m so sorry to hear about your mom. Please remember that this was 10 years ago, so the treatments have changed since then. My mom had brain surgery, lung surgery, whole brain radiation, and chemotherapy. A lot of treatment!
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What an amazing person your mother is. She is definitely an amazing person with a huge warming heart! Hope this article can inspire many other people fighting cancer! Keep it up!
Maryea, What a brave lady is your mother. She proves that if we have willpower we can fight with any situation.She is really the true fighter. God bless your mother!
I am diagnosed with stage 4 lungs cancer on 19th June 2021 and I wish to get recover using herbal treatment only. Hence anyone please advice me the options
Your mom is a survivor and it is no small feat to have survived the condition she survived. She beat all the odds and reading the fact that you strive for a healthier lifestyle is again inspiring. Although there is no warranty as to which disease can strike, it is a good thing to live a healthier lifestyle. Wish you, your mom and entire family the best of everything in life.
Thank you.
Maryea, your mom gives so many people hope. Thank you for your encouragement to eat healthy. Even though disease could strike, eating right surely gives one a better chance of surviving.
You’re welcome! It’s my pleasure, actually. I love my “job” so much. 🙂
Wonderful tribute to an amazing woman. Love your mom. She’s an inspiration and truly an example of grace.
Thank you, Margie. I know she feels the same way about you. 🙂
Awe! I love this. ❤️ Of course she is still here! Can’t imagine it any other way!
I can’t either!
I know your mom. She is a phenominal woman. Her fortitude to keep going was inspiring, her demonstrative love lifted me. And I might add that your father’s patient, gentle care of her was a blessing.
Thank you for your kind words, Melody. And yes, my dad deserves his share of accolades as well.
What a beautiful tribute to a beautiful human being! ❤️
Thank you, Ellie. 🙂
Maryea, what a wonderful story about a “true lady” that is cherished by so many! Maggie is truly amazing! God is great!