How Determination, Support, and Advanced Therapies Led to Near-Complete Remission

In June 2018, 53-year-old Laurent received life-altering news: he had stage lung cancer. What began as overwhelming fatigue and a swollen lymph node led to a scan showing a small tumor in his right lung. Within 15 days, doctors confirmed his diagnosis and quickly started treatment. Initially, Laurent underwent immunotherapy, thanks to his 90% compatibility with this cutting-edge treatment. He experienced fatigue but was thrilled to see his tumor shrink by half. However, new metastases later appeared in his vertebrae and brain, prompting doctors to switch to chemotherapy. While the side effects took their toll, tests soon showed encouraging results. As of now, he is nearly in complete remission.

Throughout this challenging journey, Laurent’s family and friends have been a source of immense support. His wife helps him conserve energy, and he appreciates how loved ones rally around him—forming a cocoon of care. Although he had already quit traditional smoking in favor of electronic cigarettes, he soon stopped vaping entirely. Laurent admits he struggles to exercise, but he sees the value of becoming more active to combat breathlessness.

Financially, his situation became complicated: Laurent had been laid off shortly before his diagnosis. He initially had a Contract for Employment Security (CSP) and was hoping to start his own business in drone technology. Fortunately, his treatments did not prevent him from job-seeking, but now that his CSP has ended, he faces a reduced income.

Laurent believes strongly in sharing his story, primarily through a lung cancer–specific association he joined. He hopes to provide comfort to those who receive a stage 4 diagnosis and to remind them that promising new treatments exist. Mindfulness practices such as sophrology and meditation have helped Laurent manage pain and stress, giving him a sense of control. He encourages anyone with a similar diagnosis to communicate openly with their oncologist and loved ones and never lose hope, as “negative results can turn into positive ones.”