Lung Cancer: Julie's Survivor Story

What happened, in summary

Julie was 73 and already knew what cancer treatment could mean, having survived lymphoma in 2004. In February 2015, she developed what seemed like the flu, but her fever stayed high. Her general practitioner ordered a chest X-ray, then quickly connected her with a pulmonologist. Additional tests in March showed lung cancer, and a professor in Lyon explained that the disease had been found at an initial stage and that surgery should happen quickly. Julie had surgery on April 1 to remove the upper part of her right lung. She was able to go home the same day, but the diagnosis still felt unreal because it was her second cancer. Her doctors explained that the cancer had been caught early and there were no metastases. After surgery, she received 6 chemotherapy treatments. The chemotherapy was difficult, especially fatigue, limited movement, and hair loss. After treatment, she continued close follow-up with CT scans every 3 months and monthly blood tests, while gradually returning to walking, exercise, and ordinary routines. In October 2017, after a scan, her pulmonologist told her she was in complete remission. Julie remained optimistic while choosing to live day by day.