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Introducing Vicky
Vicky was diagnosed with non-small cell lung cancer on 9 Aug 2017, aged just 30.
For 18 months prior to diagnosis, Vicky had noticed she was more breathless when exercising. As a keen runner, she was very aware of what her ‘normal’ should feel like and visited her GP countless times, just to be given yet another inhaler and told she had exercise induced asthma.
"I eventually received my diagnosis after a swollen lymph node above my collar bone was investigated. They told me that the cancer had spread and I went straight onto IV chemotherapy. This was the lowest point. The doctor was telling me we’d just keep going until I couldn’t take it anymore."
After some weeks, Vicky was suddenly told she had the ALK-positive mutation. It felt like a blessing be able to switch to an oral targeted therapy from chemotherapy.
There have been a few bumps in the road, such as in 2021 when Vicky had progression to her brain resulting in a seizure. Thankfully after a switch in treatments she is now clear and feeling great again.
"Right from the off-set, it was important to me to try and keep my personal training business running. Being active myself and helping others gives me a great purpose in life."
That being said, Vicky admits coping really isn’t linear and some days are harder than others.
"I remind myself often that there isn’t a single person who knows what tomorrow may bring. So, I try to take each day as it comes and make the best of it."
Everything about having cancer has been unexpected for Vicky. "I sometimes can't quite believe that I’m spending my 30s visiting hospital so regularly. Thinking about that being forever can be a challenging thought."
Vicky's advice to anybody newly diagnosed is to be a great advocate for yourself.
"With my own care there have been crucial points where it’s been important to question everything. Don’t be afraid to make suggestions and take an active role in your care."
Vicky's adds, "I’m very grateful for ALK+ International. Not only helping to promote much needed awareness of this rare illness, but also raising vital funds for research. It’s so important that new treatments are developed so everyone diagnosed can keep living with great quality of life."
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