I’m Rose, a retired hairdresser from New Zealand. In 2022, I was diagnosed with stage 3 lung cancer after suffering from some suspicious symptoms. After having a left pneumonectomy and radiotherapy, and with my last 2 scans being clear, I now feel optimistic. I hope to improve my mental and physical health.

It all started when I was coughing up blood and feeling very tired all the time. I thought these symptoms weren’t serious, so it took me a few months before I sought medical attention. Eventually I was diagnosed with stage 3 non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), specifically squamous cell carcinoma, in December 2022.

When I heard I had cancer, I was sad and fearful at the thought it was terminal.

My doctor’s recommendations for treatment were

• Pneumonectomy (removal of the entire lung)
• Chemotherapy
• Radiation therapy

I had 25 rounds of radiation over 5 weeks. The plan was never changed for the 5 weeks duration of my treatment.

After taking advice from family and friends into consideration, I refused chemo as it was going to be brutal and make me very sick. Currently, I’m undergoing treatment and am scheduled for the pneumonectomy.

While I was just a bit fearful of the unknown, I was relieved I'd opted out of chemo. I wasn't over my open surgery operation and I live on my own. I knew I wouldn't have been able to handle chemo so soon after. Fortunately, my treatment is subsidized.

The only side effect I had was fatigue, which made me sleep after radiation sessions. Apart from sleeping and exercising more, I didn’t do anything to manage the fatigue.

My doctor recommended some medical advice on my exercise frequency, nutrition and smoking habits, all of which I was very compliant with. The biggest lifestyle change, though, was quitting smoking—I stopped smoking when I was first diagnosed 20 months ago. I also haven’t drunk alcohol in 36 years.

For the next 2 years, my plans are to improve my mental and physical health, and go to the gym 3 times a week.

The district nurse from Nurse Maude and the support from friends were particularly helpful in my cancer journey.

It took awhile for me to get some form of counseling. It wasn't until I was in radiation that this happened. I had a wonderful thoracic cardiologist and anesthetist. Fantastic service was provided at the hospital where I had my private operation. Also, I utilized cancer services, e.g. social worker, nutritionist, etc; that’s my practical advice for other cancer patients.

* Nurse Maude is an organization that provides community-based health services throughout New Zealand.

I faced some challenges in my day-to-day life, but I got through them one day at a time. At first life was very challenging as I became breathless having to manage a small amount of exercise when I first came home. I was in a lot of pain the first month or two.

My greatest fear revolved around my mental health as I'd already had 2 breakdowns. I knew if this went (badly) it would simply be the end for me. But I had wonderful neighbors who walked the dog daily and made sure I rested. I also chatted with my support neighbors.

I’m now feeling optimistic after I had a left pneumonectomy and my last 2 scans were clear.

To others in the cancer journey: “Get support. The Cancer Society jacked up half price taxis and provided some meals when I was undergoing radiation. Try and get friends to support you. Live one day at a time. Have Faith.”