When I was diagnosed with RET-positive lung cancer at 65, I was shocked. I think that’s true for almost everyone at the beginning.
Shortly after my diagnosis, biomarkers identified the RET fusion, and I started treatment with Retevmo with the guidance of Rebecca Brown at Tower Health. I’m grateful every day for the research and people that made these treatments possible.
Even though I work in healthcare, I learned very quickly that I could not do this alone. My daughter and a dear friend stepped in to help research options, ask questions, and guide me toward the best treatment path.
The Happy Lungs Project, the RET-positive Facebook groups, and patient webinars became amazing resources for me. Hearing from other patients helped me troubleshoot my drug side effects and realize that people are living with this disease.
I am working to continue living my life. I focus on nutrition, exercise, laughter, friendship, and doing the things I love. Cancer is part of my life, but it is not all of who I am.
There are moments I will never forget — my daughter flying across the country to stay with me after my diagnosis, two dear friends showing up unannounced to take me to my first treatment, and 27 people joining my team for the Philadelphia Lung Stair Climb to support lung cancer research. Those moments reminded me how much love and support surrounded me, even on the hardest days.
What I have learned is that lung cancer is not specific to smokers. I have worked at slowing down from a hectic lifestyle, appreciating the help of others, and paying it forward whenever I can. I truly believe I am here today because others before me supported research and helped move science forward.
So, to anyone newly diagnosed: ask questions, advocate for yourself, accept help, and don’t lose hope. Treatments are improving, research is moving quickly, and there is still so much life left to live.
Dawn is a member of our Community Advisory Board and we are happy to have her as a part of the team!
