Terry's Story

I was first diagnosed with stage 4 Lung Cancer in September 2017, like many others it was a complete shock as I am a lifelong non-smoker.

 

After some tests I was found to be ALK Positive, which opened up a new pathway for treatment via TKI’s, and I was prescribed Cerinitib, which was amazing! Not only did it clear all my secondary tumours but reduced my main tumour to a mere spec!

 

Sadly, after about a year I developed pneumonitis, which was a side effect of the TKI, so I had to stop!

 

After the pneumonitis cleared up I was given Crizinitib and Loratinib, but every time the pneumonitis returned!

This meant that I was treated by 3 weekly sessions of chemotherapy (Pemertrexed) and I was on this for 3½ years until the chemo took its toll on my body.

 

In September 2022, I was given a rest from treatment and was put on a watch and see regime and every 3 months I would have a CT Scan. From then to the present day, I have had no evidence of progression!

 

So currently, I have survived for 6½ years! In that time, I have made many friends and learnt so much from being part of the ALK Positive UK charity and community. I honestly do not know how I would have coped without it being there for me!