I had COVID in October 2022. I was breathless, hoarse and tired. It was put down to long COVID in May 2023. After being on so many medications for long COVID, I asked for more tests. I got an X-ray and the June BH I phoned for the result. I was told I had a lesion and I would need a CT.

CT the following week showed a tumor. I found out I had non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), specifically lung adenocarcinoma, and further tests showed that I have EGFR mutation. I wish I’d known about the symptoms of lung cancer.

My feelings were a mix of anger, fear, sadness, surprise and optimism. I thought, “Why me?” I’m a non-smoker and young, so this shouldn't have happened. But unfortunately all you need is lungs to get lung cancer at any age.

In September 2023, I had my top and middle lobes on my right lung removed. I remember feeling fearful after deciding on this treatment plan because of the fact that I am now a cancer patient and I could die.

After further testing I was asked if I wanted to go into a targeted treatment. According to my doctor’s recommendation, this would be a good plan to protect my body. I am the first in that hospital post-op to go into a targeted treatment. So, for 3 years I’ve been taking Tagrisso, 1 tablet a day. I get monitored every 4 weeks with bloods for my organs and every 3 months for biomarkers. I do have side effects but I manage them. My treatment is also subsidized.

Diarrhea resulting from the lobectomy has affected me the most. I also suffer from fatigue and mouth ulcers. At first, I’d feel sore when eating and if I ate, then I’d be running to the toilet. But now I am taking medication and using mouthwash to help.

Other measures I’ve taken to manage these side effects include:

• Walking each day to help expand the lung
• Changing my diet to help the side effects
• Taking prescribed medication like BMX, pain relief and stomach tablets

The biggest change in my lifestyle after starting treatment is not returning to work. I’m no longer mixing with others and feeling like myself again. I am also living on no wages.

In terms of future plans, I haven't thought of it. I’m living day by day, week by week. But actually, each year on the anniversary of my cancer op, I will do something: I climbed Croagh Patrick and this year, the Stairway To Heaven. It’s physically and mentally challenging.

I’ve found that a pregnancy pillow is ideal for sitting and sleeping when put around the back.

I stopped working after my diagnosis; I’m waiting to get the all clear to go back.

Since I was diagnosed with cancer, all areas of my life have changed. I am trying to balance and get it all back on track now. With counseling, it helps. Exercise and going to cancer centers have been helpful too.

The cancer returning and dying – those are my greatest fears. What’s helped is going for counseling and talking to others and family.

Now, I still feel that anger, fear and sadness. I fear the cancer returning. I am stressed. I am anxious a lot of the time. Depression kicked in.

Listen to your body. When your gut says something is wrong, go and get it checked. If you are not happy, find someone who will listen to you. Be your own advocate.