My voice
By Rick Linstead

My name is Rick, and I am a 55-year-old, stage 3 non-small cell lung cancer survivor of 22 months. My journey began in June 2011 with a calcium stone in my salivary gland. The ER surgeon found the stone and drained my neck. I wound up with an infection from strep B and again found myself in the ER, where this time they did a chest X-ray and found a small black spot in my lung. After surgery to remove the infection and six weeks of IV therapy, I met my pulmonologist who told me I likely had cancer. Scans indicated it was stage 1, which meant I was recommended for surgery.

I woke up after surgery in the ICU and over the next couple days learned that I had stage 3A lung cancer and that my upper left lobe had been removed. This news was distressing, to say the least, and I didn’t take it well. Though I was angry and depressed, I also had lots of questions so I invited my cancer nurse navigator back in to my room and we talked at length.

I met with my oncologist, who described his recommended treatment plan. Because this was a very important decision, I asked for a second opinion with the Multidisciplinary Cancer Clinic. The team’s recommendation gave me a lot to think about, but after discussion with my doctor we decided to stick to his original plan. I made it through three of my four rounds of chemo without too many side effects. The fourth one, however, kicked me to the curb.

I was lucky enough to have a chemo buddy who would drive me to all my appointments and sit with me. My advice is to find someone who will be there for you and can handle the responsibility of being a good listener! This person will become one of the most important people during treatment! Other wisdom I learned along the way: get a notebook, ask for all your medical records, and write down all of your questions before your appointment so that you are prepared when you go. Oh, and don’t forget: you will need a driver!

I was pleasantly surprised by the number of fellow cancer survivors who responded with words of support after I publicly shared my journey; however, I was disheartened to see that none of them were lung cancer survivors. I have lost several friends to cancer. Many were diagnosed too late, when treatment options are no longer available.

Given that my own cancer was accidentally found, I cannot impress enough the importance of getting your screenings!

I was thirsty for information after my diagnosis and searched everywhere for it – the doctor’s office, other patients and countless websites. Fear will make you turn anywhere for information, but I urge you to approach online information with a discerning eye, as most of it is outdated and may not be from a reputable source.

Thanks to a wonderful circle of friends and family, as well as the power of prayer, I was able to refocus my energy and see myself as a survivor with a positive attitude rather than a victim. I decided I wanted to see my grandson in grade school graduate from high school and college. Even though he is young, he has known exactly what to do to care for me and make me feel loved. That alone was enough to make me want to live my life fully!

Being divorced, I found dating to be very awkward. I would always mention lung cancer up front, and some of the responses were shocking, as you can imagine! The reality is, life can change instantly. Lung cancer is not a communicable disease, nor does it have to be life-limiting, either. Being an avid photographer, I climb and photograph waterfalls on the Blue Ridge Parkway. My doctors told me my hiking days were over, but five weekend trips with four waterfalls and six-mile hikes at 4,700 feet later, I proved them otherwise!

My oncologist’s statistical report said I have 39 months to live; I challenged him every time we spoke. Now he says I could live to 90 with my attitude! I don’t know what the future holds, but I do live for today – tomorrow will get here soon enough, and the past is a lesson. After two scans I was declared cancer free, and I still am today! I want to inspire others that you can do what you want to in life. I am able to do everything I did prior to losing the largest lobe of my lung; it just takes a little more effort and time.

Cancer has taught me many things. I am neither embarrassed nor ashamed for having cancer; it has made me stronger, and I am a SURVIVOR!