Faces of Lung Cancer

CancerCare has motivated me to look at myself realistically, become an advocate, and feel that my experience and knowledge are valuable.
~ Laurel

Laurel's Story

My name is Laurel Perton. I was diagnosed with lung cancer 3 1/2 years ago at age 61. I was not surprised by the diagnosis. My mother died of lung cancer, and a dear friend had died a month before I was diagnosed. Because of those deaths, and because I am a registered nurse, I knew I was not immune. I took a yearly chest X-ray, and was lucky enough to have the tumor picked up while it was small and operable.

Surprised, no; devastated, yes. The location of the tumor did not allow for biopsy. I would not know if it had spread until I was in surgery. I was sure I would not have a good prognosis. I worried that I would be disabled. I had surgery in March of 2004. The doctor removed one lobe and with it the tumor. The pathology report was good news. No metastasis.

My recovery was smooth and quick. I returned to work 6 weeks after surgery. I had been in good condition, except for the cancer. My three children provided love and support and continue to do so. My sister and brother flew to New York from Arizona and Virginia to be with me and provide any help that I would allow. I live alone and have done so for more that half my life. I am independent to a fault. Since I had a good prognosis, was cancer free, and would not have chemotherapy or other treatment, I saw no need for any further help.

A year and a half after my diagnosis, a friend took me to a dinner for cancer survivors. I had a wonderful time. I felt so comfortable with these strangers who also had survived cancer. It was time for me to reassess my needs and feelings, and get out of denial. I got on the internet looking for a support group. I found CancerCare, which is one of the few places with a group devoted to lung cancer survivors.

I have been a steady member of the group for the past two years. It has become the place where I can express my fear and anxiety every time I have a CT scan of my lungs. The people in the group understand when I report that I do breathing exercises as I walk my dog. I want to have good lung capacity so I can be a candidate for surgery if I get another tumor. No one in the group denies that my anxiety is legitimate. They enhance the support I get from my family and loved ones. My family IS supportive, but they lack, and hopefully never will know, the feelings that go with a cancer diagnosis. I tell, and would tell anyone with cancer that a support group is the place to go to feel free to express any feeling - fear, anxiety, loss, faith - anything, without fear of judgment. People in the group have given me hope since many of them have survived for many years, and I am constantly in awe of the bravery that so many demonstrate while undergoing horrible side effects from treatment.

Aside from the emotional support I receive, I also give support. As an experienced psychiatric nurse, I can often pick up cues and help others. The social worker who facilitates the group is an expert on lung cancer. I really appreciate his knowledge and feel ahead of the game, having information on new treatments and drugs, even before the information hits the journals and news media. CancerCare also has excellent teleconferences that cover a whole range of information for cancer survivors and caretakers. The group and our social worker have motivated me to become a patient advocate in a clinical trial group. That role is to watch out for the patients who may participate in trials and help those who design the trials get a perspective from the patient's point of view.

CancerCare has motivated me to look at myself realistically, become an advocate, and feel that my experience and knowledge are valuable. I try to give back by fundraising and attending the annual Lung Cancer Walk and donating as much time and money as I am able. I've learned to keep a balance; after all, I have nine grandchildren and interests outside of cancer. The group has taught me that it's O.K. to ask for help when I need it. I cherish my life and hope it is a long one.