From Unexpected Diagnosis to Targeted Therapy Success for an Active Mother of Two

When 42-year-old Anne Phillips experienced sudden weakness on her left side one morning, she assumed it was temporary. Instead, she had a seizure in front of her two children, ages 4 and 6. An emergency room visit and rapid imaging revealed multiple brain tumors and a primary Stage IV non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in her right lung—an especially shocking discovery for a never-smoker.

Within two days, Anne underwent surgery to remove the largest of at least eight brain tumors. As she recovered, her oncologist delivered the life-altering news: “Stage IV non-small cell lung cancer.” Determined to keep life as normal as possible for her family, Anne and her husband even proceeded with a planned kitchen remodel, finding solace in having a positive focus despite her diagnosis.

Further testing on the tumor sample revealed an EGFR mutation, meaning Anne was eligible for a targeted therapy drug. Before starting it, she received two rounds of Gamma Knife radiosurgery on the remaining brain tumors. Once recovered, Anne began the targeted medication, experiencing side effects like hair thinning, facial rash, and brittle nails. This drug successfully managed her lung cancer until it metastasized to a lymph node two years later. Another round of genomic testing showed a new T790M mutation, allowing her to switch to a newer, more tolerable therapy targeting both EGFR and T790M.

Today, Anne lives an active life, caring for her children and raising awareness about lung cancer, especially the misconception that only smokers are at risk. She also credits online support groups for helping her navigate daily life with cancer. Recognizing the importance of self-advocacy, Anne encourages fellow patients to research treatment options, seek a knowledgeable care team, and refuse to let lung cancer define them. “Pursue the things you enjoy,” she says, “and live with positivity.”