What happened, in summary

Tomma Hargraves discovered a small lump on the left side of her neck in 2006. A biopsy showed non-small cell lung cancer, and scans found a tumor in her right lung with extensive lymph node involvement. Her initial diagnosis was Stage III lung cancer.

Tomma chose to join a clinical trial testing an intensive treatment approach. She first received chemotherapy, then 7 weeks of radiation with additional chemotherapy, followed by several months of erlotinib. At the end of 9 months of treatment, her oncologist told her the cancer was gone. Three years later, however, the cancer returned in lymph nodes and the brain. Chemotherapy and radiation controlled the recurrence, and she did not need further cancer treatment afterward.

Tomma continued annual follow-up and lived with lasting lung damage from radiation, but she described herself as doing well. She became a volunteer patient lay navigator, using her experience to provide practical and emotional support to people newly diagnosed with lung cancer. Her advocacy emphasized the role of research and clinical trials in creating better treatment options. Tomma died on September 7, 2023, after many years of survivorship and patient advocacy.