When Ed first experienced bouts of back pain, he initially chalked it up to too many hours running his pickax, which he had done in the days prior when he was making improvements to his late wife’s grave. When visits to chiropractors and a massage therapist didn’t improve his back pain, Ed was still stumped on what could be the root cause. That’s when he began to experience other symptoms, such as trouble urinating, which prompted him to visit his urologist. It was during this visit when Ed’s doctor discovered cancer near his spine.
Ed was diagnosed with small cell lung cancer (SCLC), an aggressive form of lung cancer that makes up approximately 10% to 15% of all lung cancers in the U.S.1 Initially, upon diagnosis with SCLC, Ed was opposed to chemotherapy after he had witnessed firsthand the effects it had on his brother-in-law. But once Ed realized the severity of his diagnosis and the implications it could have on his family, specifically his daughter, he reconsidered his options and decided to pursue treatment. While the early weeks of his diagnosis were challenging, he tried to stay positive and accept his cancer diagnosis.
Ed’s family was a strong source of support throughout the initial stages of his diagnosis, and in turn he wanted to help others going through a similar experience. When Ed’s care team proposed a new clinical trial for him to participate in, he agreed to join – not only because it was a potential new option with fewer side effects than his original treatment, but also because he knew this may help future patients with SCLC.
Throughout treatment, Ed relied on his care team and now he encourages others going through cancer to establish a similar team as early on as possible. His doctors, home nurses, and especially his daughter, have played crucial roles in his daily life and care. His daughter visits nearly every day, making sure he always has what he needs. His two home care nurses, who he now affectionately refers to as his “granddaughters,” come throughout the week, and go above and beyond for Ed, always checking in on him even when they are not scheduled to visit.
Fortunately, the clinical trial Ed joined improved his quality of life and allowed him to get back to doing what he loves, like going on trips with his brother-in-law and his two boys, and spending time with Gigi, his beloved Maltese poodle. To others walking a similar path, Ed stresses the importance of surrounding yourself with people who will assist and uplift you, but also trying to stay as positive as possible. Ed approaches every day by embracing life, acknowledging that if he can take things one day at a time, he may be able to live his life as fully as possible.
American Cancer Society. What is Lung Cancer? 2024. Available at: https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/lung-cancer/about/what-is.html. Last accessed October 2024.
