What happened, in summary

Leslie was active and teaching fitness classes when a persistent cough and worsening shortness of breath began to interfere with daily life. After repeated visits and treatments that did not help, swollen lymph nodes and increasing breathing difficulty led her to the emergency room. A CT scan showed a lung mass, and a biopsy confirmed lung cancer. The disease was Stage IV, and later evaluation showed brain metastases. Biomarker testing was delayed by nearly a month, but the result showed ALK-positive cancer and opened the door to targeted therapy. Leslie had already prepared for radiation to the brain, including having a mask made and appointments scheduled. After discussing the plan with her medical team, she held off on radiation to see how the targeted therapy worked. Her brain metastases responded without radiation. Leslie also found strong support through the ALK Positive community, where she connected with people living for years with the same biomarker. Friends and family helped with meals, research and practical support. Today, Leslie is retired in Florida with her husband, planning trips and home projects. She is also participating in a clinical trial exploring ways to prevent resistance to targeted therapy.