Research Rocks.

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It has been a long time since I’ve written about how things are going with my battle with lung cancer. I had mentioned before that I would let you all know about a “new and revised game-plan”. That was my cool, calm and collected way of saying that I had some bad news… but I waited to post because I don’t like ending on a bad note!

The bad news was that there had been some cancer progression. When we received this news, I’m not going to lie, I was pretty terrified. 1) Terrified that it had spread to my brain as well (Xalkori does not cross the blood brain barrier – meaning it can’t protect me in there) and 2) The unknown – What treatment would be next? Would it work? What if it didn’t? etc. [Good news, it’s not in my brain! Woo!]
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Well, once I got over the initial shock, we went right back into fight mode! I can’t stress enough just how fortunate I am to have the most AMAZING support team (you all know who you are!) who continually remind me to “just breathe” and “it’s going to be okay”.

We knew that one day this pill (Xalkori) would stop being effective against my cancer but we had hoped that it wouldn’t be this soon. Fortunately my oncologist is always planning for the next step. I was offered to be part of a clinical trial at the Ottawa Cancer Centre for a new drug called Lorlatinib. This drug is a new targeted therapy that is currently in trial. You cannot purchase it as it is not yet FDA approved therefore I was extremely lucky to have this opportunity. To say that I was over the moon excited and grateful to have yet ANOTHER chance to kick this cancer is an understatement. Another chance to fight, another chance at life. I am SO grateful for science, for doctors, for researchers and for the AMAZING team that is helping me kick cancer. RESEARCH ROCKS!

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Here I am Day 1 – First Dose! Happy as can be!

….now with the good news! After the first initial scan, we saw that the cancer was stable and there might even have been marginal shrinkage in certain areas! YAY!!! I will have another scan in about 6 weeks from now and am hoping and praying for some serious shrinkage. I have many more scans and tests in the coming weeks but for now this is the new and revised game-plan.

I still can’t thank you all enough for continuing to show your support for lung cancer research and for all of the financial contributions that have been made towards the cause thus far. There have been some pretty amazing breakthroughs in the world of “lung cancer” over the past 5 or so years (here’s an example from this month) and I know that I am alive and thriving today because of it. It still amazes me that lung cancer has the lowest survival rate of cancers and continues to have such disproportionate funding. I can’t tell you the number of young men and women I’ve connected with since being diagnosed who are currently fighting their own battles with lung cancer. Thankfully there are targeted treatments, like the one I’m currently on, that are helping to save and prolong the lives of these young adults. Although targeted therapies aren’t a cure, I am certainly hopeful that as awareness and funding continues to grow, lung cancer will be, if not curable, a chronic disease. 

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The following couple of months remain busy for us with lots of tests, appointments and scans but all for that one goal – being N.E.D. Xalkori will always be my wonder drug but here’s hoping that Lorlatinib may be my miracle drug.

Just breathe.

#LIVINGwithlungcancer

P.S. I celebrated my 27th birthday this month!! Thank you Research.

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38 thoughts on “Research Rocks.”

  3. Praying for you Lizzie, with your positive attitude you WILL beat lung cancer
    You sold me this huge huge pink scarf at Auld Kirktown, and whenever I wear it I say a prayer for you Hugs stay strong

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  5. Wow I can’t imagine what you are going through! I’m so sorry. I love how positive you are going through this, very encouraging! My prayers are with you that you will find peace and strength to overcome. You are an amazing young woman, thank you for sharing. PS you’re only one year older than me. Hang in there! 1 Timothy 6:12

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  8. So thankful for the update Liz, I think of you often and hope and pray that good news in beating this cancer will be just around the corner.

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  9. Sorry to hear about the ” initial ” not so good news but so happy about the new treatment you re receiving.
    Keep on fighting…and happy birthday – with many more to come. 💝

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  10. Toute nos félicitations à toi Elizabeth…27 ans est un bien bel âge…et sûrement beaucoup d’autres anniversaires suivront…nous pensons très souvent à toi jeune fille…Rebecca aura ton âge le 10 mai…fait en sorte que ta vie est une célébration au quotidien. Nous t’aimons!!! Bossé famXXXXXX

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  14. Not only does the research ROCK… So do you Mrs. Dessureault!! Your positive attitude shines through every time! It’s got to be tough some days but you are surrounded by love and tough fighters!! You got this girl!! 👊😊❤️

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  15. Glad to hear you have a new plan in place so quickly! You are an amazingly brave and positive young woman and you are doing incredible things for others like you and for lung cancer research in general. Hope you had a great birthday with your wonderful family (facials with mom are always special!). Thinking of you. Xox

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  17. I was very sorry to read about your bad news, but very glad there was other options. I think of you often. You are a very strong young women to be fighting the battle of your life but also to be such a great advocate for lung cancer takes a lot of inner strength. Your family must be so proud of you. My son is a student at Father Mercredi. Take Care. Charlene Gibson

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  19. Hi Elizabeth,

    Congratulations! From Lizzie’s Lungs is nominated for Healthline’s Annual Best Health Blog Contest! Check it out here: http://www.healthline.com/health/best-health-blogs-contest

    Every year we take a look at the top health blogs to honor & recognize them. This year things may look a little different, as we’ve updated the contest and taken strides to make sure everything runs smoothly & everyone has a good time voting for their favorites!

    The contest has a nomination period, starting now, until November 21st. After that, you can vote once per day for your favorite blog up until December 12th when the winner will be announced.

    Once voting begins, we’ll send you a reminder email so you can share with your followers. Remember, the blog with the most votes will receive a $1000 cash prize!

    Let me know if you have any questions.

    Congrats and good luck!
    Maegan

    —
    Maegan Jones | Content Coordinator
    Healthline
    Your most trusted ally in pursuit of health and well-being

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