EGFR-Positive Lung Cancer – Hope Amid Uncertainty

Natasha, a primary school teacher from Leeds and mother of two teenagers, never imagined that her persistent squeaky breathing and husky voice could be signs of something serious. Initially, she chalked it up to stress or possible asthma. Despite her active lifestyle of running, biking, and hill walking, Natasha began experiencing a dry cough and fatigue that gradually worsened. Concerned colleagues urged her to see a doctor, leading to several tests that first pointed to tuberculosis.

Over five weeks, her healthcare team ruled out TB but remained unsure of the cause. In December 2022, further testing revealed she had non-small cell lung cancer. At first, doctors believed it was stage 3 and potentially curable. The plan involved shrinking the 7.5 cm tumor with chemotherapy, then performing surgery and following up with a targeted therapy called Osimertinib.

However, new scans and persistent headaches uncovered three brain metastases, changing the diagnosis to stage IV lung cancer. Surgery was off the table, and the outlook seemed bleak. Fortunately, because Natasha tested positive for an EGFR- mutation, she was eligible for Osimertinib as a palliative treatment. The drug proved highly effective: her most recent scan shows no brain metastases, clear lymph nodes, and significant reduction in the main lung tumor.

Despite a frustrating six-month journey to diagnosis—repeatedly reassured it was “just an infection”—Natasha credits her lung nurse, oncologist, and support from groups like EGFR Positive UK for helping her navigate information, find clarity, and maintain hope. Today, Natasha is committed to raising awareness of gene-mutation–led lung cancer so others can advocate for themselves and access the right treatments.