Stage II Colorectal Cancer: Jay's Survivor Story

Patient Info: Jay McCoy, Male, 40s | Stage II

As of January 2024, Jay had made a full recovery after Stage II colon cancer was found early by colonoscopy and treated surgically, with normal numbers at his second annual physical in June 2023.

Cleveland ClinicRead more →

Stage I Lung Cancer: Lauren's Patient Story

Patient Info: Lauren Koy, Female, Under 40 | Stage I

Biomarkers: CD56-positive neuroendocrine tumor; no gene mutations reported

As of January 2024, Lauren’s diagnosis had been established and bronchoscopy had reopened the blocked right-lung airway; later definitive treatment or long-term status was not described in this record.

The Patient StoryRead more →

Stage IV Lung Cancer: Tiffany's Patient Story

Patient Info: Tiffany, Female, Under 40 | Stage IV

Metastatic Site: Pelvis; right femur; cervical spine

As of January 2024, Tiffany’s story described rapid diagnosis of Stage IV lung cancer and evaluation at MD Anderson, with treatment planning underway but specific treatment details not stated.

The Patient StoryRead more →

Colorectal Cancer: Amanda's Patient Story

Patient Info: Amanda, Female, Under 40

As of December 2023, Amanda had a new sigmoid colon cancer diagnosis and was awaiting staging and definitive treatment planning with surgery and possible chemotherapy depending on spread.

The Patient StoryRead more →

Stage I Lung Cancer: Debra's Survivor Story

Patient Info: Debra Haberstroh, Female | Stage I

As of November 2023, Debra was 5 months after May 2023 lung tumor resection, did not need chemotherapy, was described by her oncologist as technically cured, and continued surveillance imaging.

Cleveland ClinicRead more →

My Lung Cancer Symptoms: "They Thought it was Asthma!" (Lauren’s Story)

Patient Info: Lauren Koy, Female, Under 40 | Stage I

Biomarkers: No genetic factors reported

As of August 2023, Lauren described lung cancer diagnosis after years of symptoms and surgery to remove part of her lung, then used her story to advocate for being heard despite young age and no smoking history.

The Patient StoryRead more →

Stage II Lung Cancer: Christine's Patient Story

Patient Info: Christine, Female, Under 40 | Stage II

As of May 2023, Christine’s lung-cancer story focused on diagnosis of an unexpected Stage IIA lung tumor during breast cancer treatment and the importance of pushing for biopsy when the finding was initially downplayed.

The Patient StoryRead more →

Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: Susan's Survivor Story

Patient Info: Susan Taylor, Female, 70+

As of July 2021, Susan had localized non-small cell lung cancer removed by robotic left upper lobectomy with lymph node removal and had returned to normal activities within 3 weeks; no metastatic disease or systemic therapy was reported.

Cleveland ClinicRead more →

Cancer Survivor Story: How I Got Diagnosed with Lung Cancer (1/3)

Patient Info: Montessa Lee, Female, Under 40

As of March 2021, Montessa was sharing how she was diagnosed with small cell lung cancer at age 28 and later became a survivor/advocate after chemotherapy, radiation, and brain radiation.

The Patient StoryRead more →

Peutz-Jeghers syndrome / hereditary GI polyposis risk; no confirmed colorectal cancer diagnosis: Kara's Patient Story

Patient Info: Kara, Female

Biomarkers: Peutz-Jeghers syndrome

As of January 2021, Kara had no confirmed invasive cancer but required ongoing Peutz-Jeghers syndrome surveillance; more than 110 polyps had been removed without further bowel resection to reduce obstruction and cancer risk.

Cleveland ClinicRead more →

Lung cancer with acquired T790M resistance: erlotinib switched to afatinib while AZD9291/TAGRISSO trial was considered

Patient Info: Anonymized, Male | Stage Metastatic/Advanced

Biomarkers: Acquired resistance detected; other resistance findings also mentioned

As of January 2016, he had reached 2 years of survival but had confirmed acquired resistance including T790M, worsening symptoms, and a treatment change from erlotinib to afatinib while a TAGRISSO/AZD9291 trial was being considered.

Lung cancer progression on Tarceva with urgent T790M resistance testing planned

Patient Info: Anonymized, Male | Stage Metastatic/Advanced

Biomarkers: resistance suspected; bronchoscopy planned to test for it

As of January 2016, CT showed clear progression while he was taking Tarceva/erlotinib, so urgent bronchoscopy was planned to look for T790M resistance and guide the next treatment option.