Given 2 Years, Living 13 Strong
Living 13 Years Strong: Debbie’s Stage 4 Lung Cancer Journey of Hope and Persistence
When Debbie was first diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer, doctors told her she might only have one to two years left. Like many patients, she felt overwhelmed and afraid. But instead of giving up, she sought a second opinion and learned that her cancer carried the BRAF mutation. This discovery opened the door to targeted therapy through a clinical trial—something that gave her options beyond traditional chemotherapy and radiation.
Over the last 13 years, Debbie has faced many treatments, side effects, and setbacks, but also many breaks from therapy where she could live life more fully. She has outlived the predictions and now encourages other patients to stay hopeful, ask questions, and keep pushing for answers. Debbie’s story shows how advances in biomarker testing and targeted therapy can turn what once felt like an “end date” into years filled with milestones and new memories.
Her journey reminds us that no one is defined by statistics. For patients with advanced lung cancer, Debbie is living proof that hope, persistence, and medical progress can lead to more time and better quality of life. (Source: GO2 for Lung Cancer)
Safer Cancer Drug Dosing Ahead
Safer Cancer Drug Dosing: ASCO and FDA Push for Optimal, Not Maximum, Doses
Concerns are growing that cancer drugs may be given at higher doses than patients actually need, leading to unnecessary side effects and treatment interruptions. The American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), working with the FDA, has issued new principles urging a shift from the old “maximum tolerated dose” approach toward finding the “optimal effective dose.” This matters for newer treatments like immunotherapies and targeted therapies, where higher doses don’t always improve results but often increase harmful side effects. Patient surveys show many people with advanced cancers struggle with severe treatment side effects, and oncologists frequently lower doses early on to help patients stay on therapy.
To fix this, ASCO recommends designing trials that test multiple dosage levels, tailoring studies to real-world patients, and improving how patient-reported side effects are tracked. These steps align with the FDA’s Project Optimus, which is pushing for better drug dosing in cancer research. For patients, this shift offers hope for treatment that works just as well—or better—while being easier to tolerate, helping people with advanced cancer focus on living fully instead of fighting side effects. (Source: Oncology News Central)
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New Clues on How Cancer Spreads
New Clues on Cancer Metastasis: How “Shape-Shifting” Cells Spread and Survive
For decades, doctors have known that cancer’s deadliest threat comes not from the original tumor but from metastasis — when cancer spreads to other parts of the body. Up to 90% of cancer deaths are linked to this process. Now, researchers led by Dr. Joan Massagué at Memorial Sloan Kettering are uncovering important insights into how metastatic cells survive, hide, and return to grow new tumors years later. These “shape-shifting” cells act like stem cells, traveling back in time to earlier, more flexible states that allow them to adapt and resist treatment. They can also slip into dormancy, hiding from the immune system until the conditions are right to awaken and spread again.
Scientists are learning that metastatic cells use different strategies depending on the type of cancer and the organ they invade. They can even change their physical shape to avoid being destroyed by the immune system. These discoveries open new possibilities for treatment — from targeting the hidden “time traveler” state, to waking dormant cells so the immune system can attack them, to blocking proteins that allow cancer cells to evade detection. While challenges remain, Dr. Massagué emphasizes that metastasis is no longer an automatic death sentence. With advances in immunotherapy and targeted research, controlling — and in some cases curing — stage 4 cancer is becoming more possible than ever before. (Source: Memorial Sloan Kettering)
Hiking Through Stage 4 Cancer
Hiking Through Stage 4 Lung Cancer: Gerri’s Story of Strength and Hope
When Gerri was first told she had stage 4 lung cancer with an EGFR mutation, it felt like her world had flipped upside down. An active athlete and tennis pro, she never expected such a diagnosis. But instead of giving in to fear, she chose a path of strength and hope—continuing to hike, kayak, ski, and travel the world with her husband by her side. Just weeks after starting targeted therapy, she hiked 90 miles in Patagonia, a trip she once thought might never happen.
With the support of her family, her oncologist, and a caring social worker, Gerri has embraced both treatment and life’s adventures. She quilts for others, practices qigong, and continues to cross items off her bucket list—now on her second one. For her, lung cancer is only part of the story, not the definition of who she is. Her message to others is clear: keep moving, keep dreaming, and make plans for joy. “Control what you can,” she says, “and live fully with what you’ve been given.” (Source: Gerri Allen, Lung Cancer Survivor Blog)
Living Fully: Joanne’s Cancer Journey
Living Fully with Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: Joanne’s Story of Hope and Healing
When Joanne was diagnosed with non-small cell lung cancer in 2021, she couldn’t help but ask the same question many patients face: “Why me?” She had lived a healthy lifestyle, exercised, and avoided processed foods, yet found herself retracing her past for answers—secondhand smoke in childhood, brief years of social smoking, exposure to environmental toxins, stress, or perhaps random chance. Her pathology revealed an EGFR mutation, a genetic change often seen in people with little or no smoking history, which allowed her to begin targeted therapy after surgery and chemotherapy.
Over time, Joanne realized that focusing on blame only robs her of peace. Instead, she has chosen to center her life around gratitude, faith, and the love of her husband and community. With new advances in treatment, she believes lung cancer should no longer be viewed as an automatic death sentence or a punishment tied to smoking. Through sharing her story, Joanne hopes to break the stigma, reminding us that compassion and understanding—not judgment—are what every patient deserves. (Source: Joanne Gaget Blog)
Yoga, Meditation, and More Bring Relief
Yoga, Meditation, and Integrative Medicine Ease Cancer Treatment Side Effects
A new clinical trial shows that live, online classes in yoga, meditation, tai chi, and fitness can do more than just help patients feel calmer — they can actually reduce the side effects of cancer treatment. Patients who joined these virtual integrative medicine sessions during chemotherapy, radiation, immunotherapy, or targeted therapy reported less fatigue, anxiety, depression, and trouble sleeping. Remarkably, they also needed fewer hospital stays, and when they were admitted, their time in the hospital was much shorter.
This approach, offered through Memorial Sloan Kettering’s Integrative Medicine at Home program, costs $25 per month and is available to patients anywhere — not just those treated at MSK. Many patients find the classes give them both physical strength and emotional support by connecting with others going through cancer. Other services like acupuncture and music therapy can also play a role in making treatment more tolerable. Research continues to grow, with hopes of expanding access nationwide. For patients and caregivers, these integrative therapies provide a safe, evidence-based way to feel stronger and more supported throughout cancer treatment. (Source: Memorial Sloan Kettering)
Riding Through Cancer: Christy’s Story
Riding My Harley Through Cancer: Christy’s Stage 4 Lung Cancer Story
When Christy Erickson was diagnosed with stage IV lung cancer at just 41, she feared she wouldn’t see her children grow up. But after months of unanswered questions and second opinions, genetic testing revealed her tumor carried an EGFR mutation—opening the door to a targeted therapy called osimertinib. This treatment, born from years of research, gave her what once seemed impossible: more time with her family and the chance to live fully, not just survive.
Christy has faced her journey with courage, faith, and determination. She’s checked off bucket-list dreams, from riding her own Harley to competing in strongman events, and she shares her story to encourage others to advocate for themselves. “Osimertinib gave me time,” she says—time to see her daughter graduate, time to rediscover joy, and time to inspire other patients that even after a stage IV diagnosis, hope and healing are possible. (Source: Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University)
Karen’s Fight, Eight Years and Counting
When Karen was first diagnosed with lung cancer at age 47, it came as a complete shock. A healthy, never-smoker with no family history, she suddenly found herself facing surgery to remove part of her lung and rounds of chemotherapy. For eight years her scans were clear—until the cancer returned in her ribs. Now living with stage 4 lung cancer, she is facing this new challenge with the same determination she had at the very beginning.
What gives Karen strength is the progress that’s been made in lung cancer research. Eight years ago, her mutation wasn’t even identifiable. Today, doctors not only know what it is, but there are already FDA-approved treatments available. Karen continues to live life fully—biking, traveling, taking classes—and believes every patient deserves to feel this hopeful. Her story is a powerful reminder that advances in treatment are giving people more options, more time, and more hope than ever before. (Source: Karen V. Blog)
Veteran Speaks Out to Save Others
Xavier Sanders spent 14 years proudly serving in the U.S. Air Force. But in 2022, his life changed when doctors discovered stage 4 lung cancer—despite never smoking. The cancer had already spread to his liver and brain. Now, Xavier is using his voice to speak out about the urgent need for earlier detection, better support, and more awareness—especially for service members exposed to burn pits and toxic chemicals during deployment.
He’s not just fighting for himself. Xavier is advocating for younger airmen who may not know what symptoms to watch for or how to get the right care. His wife, Chelsea, has become his strongest advocate—reminding others that “mental toughness” can sometimes hide real suffering. Together, they’re pushing for change in how military members with cancer are seen, heard, and supported.
Now a passionate advocate, Xavier is using his story and his brand, Trillionaires Only, to inspire others to fight with authenticity, courage, and hope. “Every day is a new day to fight,” he says. “We can’t afford to stay quiet.” (Source: Xavier’s Story, March 2024)
The Power of Friendship When Facing Cancer
When you’re walking through something as overwhelming as cancer, one of the most powerful lifelines you can hold onto is this: you don’t have to walk it alone.
I’m Dr. Sharon May with Stage4Hope, and I want to share two important truths backed by research—and rooted in real-life experience—that can bring you comfort and strength:
- Good friends truly matter.
- A positive mindset can make all the difference.
We already know that going through something difficult with a friend by your side makes it easier. But science now confirms this truth in a profound way. In Dr. James Coan’s research, people were given mild electric shocks—yes, you read that right!—but when they held the hand of someone they deeply cared about, the stress response in their brain significantly decreased. The pain was more bearable simply because someone they loved was there.
That’s the power of presence.
Another powerful study published in Psycho-oncology (2010) followed cancer survivors for eight years. They found that those who received meaningful emotional support just three months after their diagnosis experienced post-traumatic growth—they were better emotionally, mentally, and spiritually years later. Support doesn’t just help in the moment—it shapes how you move through your cancer journey and who you become on the other side.
So what does this mean for you?
It means you need people. And they need you, too.
Here are a few thoughts I hope will encourage you:
- Reach out to two or three friends. Keep those friendships going. Be intentional. Let the conversation be mutual—yes, talk about your cancer journey, but also listen your friend’s everyday stories. Friendship flows both ways.
- Join a group. If you didn’t have many close connections at the start of your journey, it’s never too late. A support group creates a place to belong, to connect, and to share with people who understand. You can also begin by joining one of our virtual women’s retreats. With gentle teaching and encouraging community you will find friendship and strength for your journey.
- Teach your friends how to walk this road with you. It’s okay to tell them what’s helpful and what’s not. Sometimes they won’t know what to say—help them out. You’ll learn together.
- Teach your family how to be there with you. This journey is difficult for both you and your family. Your family will go between grief for you and grief for themselves. Which means your spouse or children will, at times, struggle with their own emotions of fears, anger, depression, loss and grief. And for certain your family will not always say the most comforting things nor be there the way you hope. They will probably disappoint you leaving you hurt and maybe alone. Families are complicated, but now is the time to let go of resentment and small irritations. Make an effort to be there for each other, one struggle at a time, one day at a time. If it gets too complicated, reach out for professional help from a counselor or relationship coach.
- Keep being you. Cancer may be part of your story right now, but it is not the whole story. You are still you—funny, strong, sensitive, quirky, wise. Hold onto your identity and let it shine in your relationships.
- Stay connected to your world. You still have a family, a neighborhood, hobbies and routines. Keep participating in what makes life rich and meaningful. You have so much to give—and receive.
- Don’t isolate. This is the hardest part for some. But I gently encourage you: risk reaching out. Let someone be there for you. Hold someone’s hand—literally or figuratively. It truly makes a difference.
I’m cheering you on, friend. You are not alone. And here at Stage4Hope, we’re walking alongside you every step of the way.
If you’re looking for connection, encouragement, and growth, I invite you to join our upcoming women’s virtual retreat. It’s a time to rest, be renewed, and find community with other brave women walking their own journeys.
Reach out—we’d love to hear from you.
Author- Dr. Sharon May
The Importance of Social Support and Being Positive When Facing Cancer
- (2010, January 19). Type of social support matters for prediction of post-traumatic growth among cancer survivors.
- Coan, J.A., Schaefer, H.S., & Davidson, R.J. (2006). Lending a hand: Social regulation of the neural response to threat. Psychological Science.
Emotional Support Changes Everything
Why Emotional Support and Mindset Matter More Than We Think
When someone receives a cancer diagnosis, the focus often turns immediately to medical treatment. But research continues to show that emotional support and a positive outlook can play a powerful role in long-term well-being and healing.
A study published in Psycho-oncology (2010) found that cancer survivors who received strong emotional support within three months of diagnosis experienced greater emotional health and post-traumatic growth even eight years later. The takeaway? Early support helps people make sense of their experience and fosters healing far beyond the treatment room.
Another study in Psychological Health (2016) revealed that patients with a generally positive disposition experienced less anxiety, depression, and impairment both at diagnosis and one year later. Their optimism didn’t deny the reality of illness—it helped them navigate it with more resilience.
Importantly, Psycho-oncology (2016) also emphasized the power of balance. Breast cancer patients who were able to “hold both hope and reality—expecting the best but preparing for the worst-” did better emotionally and functionally over time.
These studies all point to the same conclusion:
Positivity and meaningful support deeply impact how we experience cancer and how well we live through it.
Our ability to fight for life—to keep showing up with hope and purpose—comes from within, but it’s strengthened by faith, relationships, and the meaning we make in the face of suffering. It’s not about pretending everything is okay. It’s about walking through the valley with courage, supported and strengthened by those who walk with us.
Author- Dr. Sharon May
Psycho-oncology. (2010, January 19). Type of social support matters for prediction of post-traumatic growth among cancer survivors.
Psychological Health. (2016, May 31). Being positive despite illness: The contribution of positivity to the quality of life of cancer patients.
Psycho-oncology. (2016, August 25). Expecting the best and being prepared for the worst
Thriving Through the Storm
Thriving Through the Storm: The Beethoven Factor
Hearing the words “You have cancer,” and then, “You have Stage 4 cancer,” can feel like the ground has given way beneath you. It’s a shattering, disorienting moment—one that changes everything. The question becomes: how do you find your footing again? How do you not only get through this cancer journey, but truly live in the midst of it, flourish along the way, and—dare I say—become a deeper, stronger, more wholehearted version of yourself?
Let me share with you a story I return to often—one I find both grounding and inspiring.
Beethoven, the great composer, slowly lost his hearing. At one point, the weight of his deafness drove him to deep despair. He became withdrawn and depressed. But years later, something shifted. He didn’t just endure his suffering—he rose above it. He composed and conducted his breathtaking 9th Symphony, Ode to Joy, while completely deaf.
Yes, deaf.
And yet that music was bursting with joy. Because of the adversity he faced—and because of how he faced it—Beethoven discovered a deeper strength and a richer life. He wrote of finding no more room for self-pity, regret, or fear. He learned to embrace his life as it was and chose to find meaning, purpose, and even joy in the present moment.
This is what Dr. Paul Pearsall, a cancer survivor himself, called The Beethoven Factor. He believed that it’s not the pain, fear, or loss in life that defines us—it’s how we respond. It’s how we allow our adversity to shape us.
And that’s the key:
How do we let our pain refine us, grow us, and awaken us to live more intentionally?
What if, through the cancer journey, you could become more grounded, more compassionate, more alive to the beauty of the everyday? What if your life—as it is—could still be full of love, laughter, peace, and meaning?
You are not just surviving cancer. You are discovering who you are becoming because of it.
So take a deep breath. Feel your strength rise. Lean on others. Let joy and gratitude slip into your day, even in small moments. And keep showing up—as your truest, bravest, most resilient self.
This is how you thrive. This is the Beethoven Factor
Author- Dr. Sharon May
Pearsall, P. (2003). The Beethoven Factor: The New Positive Psychology of Hardiness, Healing, and Hope. Hampton Roads Publishing.
