I noticed a lump and that I was having discomfort in my lower back. It took me 6 months to a year before I sought medical attention as I thought that these symptoms were not serious. I also experienced other symptoms, namely:

• Feeling very tired all the time
• Weight loss with no known cause

This led to my diagnosis of stage 4 non-small cell lung cancer in June 2024.

I remember feeling optimistic when I first heard the news. This is my personality.

I opted for targeted therapy based on my doctor’s recommendation. I have undergone 1 round of targeted therapy over a span of 8 months. I am currently still following this treatment plan consisting of Lorlatinib. I’m also taking high cholesterol medicine and calcium. I am optimistic as I feel that I am getting better.

As for the treatment costs, I am covered by insurance.

Because of targeted therapy, I suffered from peripheral neuropathy, causing numbness in my fingers which was not comfortable. I also experienced hand and foot syndrome and fatigue. To cope with this, I increased my exercise frequency and improved my nutrition.

After being diagnosed with cancer, challenges in my day-to-day life affected me the most. To manage this, I exercise, eat well and sleep well.

Throughout my cancer journey, I have felt fearful of many things, namely:

• Losing independence or ability to care for myself
• Being a burden to loved ones
• Recurrence/the cancer returning

To manage this, I seek support from family or friends, engage in mindfulness or relaxation techniques, focus on physical recovery and staying active, educate myself about the cancer and treatment process, focus on positive thinking or gratitude as well as through spiritual or religious practices.

Today I still feel optimistic like before. As I said previously, this is me.

Be an optimistic person. Be positive. Lead a healthy lifestyle.