Last year, a lung cancer screening saved Donna Dean’s life.
“I’m one of the fortunate ones,” says Dean, of central Virginia. “I don’t know if people know that it’s available. But they need to know.”
Here, she shares her story in her own words — from first cigarette to life-saving treatment for lung cancer.
How I Started Smoking
In the 70s, everybody smoked. I probably smoked my first cigarette when I was 12. I was an addicted smoker by the time I was 14.
It was part of the culture. You watch an old movie and now it jumps out, people smoking. But I wouldn’t have noticed it back then. It was everywhere. You could even smoke in hospitals! How bizarre!
Why I Got a Lung Cancer Screening
I wasn’t breathing the best. I knew I had COPD. But a lung cancer screening wasn’t something I would have initiated. You don’t want to think you have cancer.
I got an email from Aimee Strong, NP, Program Coordinator, UVA Lung Cancer Screening Program. Because of my history, she asked, “Would you be interested in having a lung screening?” It almost seemed like providence. I typically would say, “No, I don’t have time for this.” This time my knee-jerk reaction was, “Yes.”
I was definitely surprised when the results said I had cancer.
How I Got Treated
It’s almost surreal, because everything happened so fast. I had the scan; it was positive. I had the surgery. It was one and done. No chemo, no radiation. So far, I’m cancer free. They got it all.
My one daughter says, “Sometimes I almost forget you had lung cancer, because it happened so fast.”
Are you eligible?
You might qualify for a lung cancer screening.
How I Take Care of Myself as a Lung Cancer Survivor
- I’m now down to a yearly CAT scan. For 2 years, I had one every 6 months.
- I don’t smoke. It’s really funny. I always take my lessons really hard. Everybody was on me for years and years to quit smoking. But as soon as I was diagnosed with cancer, I quit. It’s the hardest thing I’ve ever done.
- I do some breathing exercises. I’m trying to build up strength in my lungs, build up my lung capacity.
What I’ve Learned & Now Tell Others
One thing I know, inhaling anything into your lungs that’s foreign is not good.
Get screened if you were exposed to industrial stuff or you’re a smoker. I’m one of the fortunate ones. They got it early. My ex-husband died of lung cancer.
I feel very fortunate. I was supposed to have that scan. My life was saved because of it.