What happened, in summary

Donna Preston was diagnosed with Stage IV lung cancer in January 2015. Her only symptom had been a cough that would not go away. At diagnosis, her 5 children were between 9 and 18 years old, and she wanted to keep family life as normal as possible while still being honest with them about what was happening. Tumor testing showed an ALK mutation. Donna did not know about genetic mutations at first, and the Stage IV diagnosis made her fear she would not see her children grow up. Her doctor explained that the ALK finding made the cancer more manageable with targeted therapy. The exact medication name was not reported. What is supported is ongoing targeted therapy for ALK-positive lung cancer. Nearly 9 years after diagnosis, Donna described herself as still here and going strong. She had seen major family milestones, including her oldest daughter getting married. She also understood that if her current targeted therapy stops working or the cancer spreads, more medications may be available. Donna is living with Stage IV ALK-positive lung cancer, with treatment continuing and research offering future options.