Wait, I’m confused. Do you have brain or lung cancer?

Good question. In June 2023, the tumor in my right lung was biopsied, confirming that it was composed of adenocarcinoma cells, which fall under the non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) umbrella. The tumor started in my right lung and metastasized (spread) to my brain. Further studies confirmed that my tumor was harboring an EGFR mutation.

Do you smoke?

Nope. This lung cancer is different and often found in people with little or no smoking history. While 15 percent of lung cancers express EGFR, lung cancers in people with little or no smoking history are much more likely to have this mutation.

Will your kids have to worry about having the same EGFR mutation?

That is another excellent question. The EGFR mutation is an acquired mutation that is not inherited from a parent; instead, it develops at some point during a person's life. 

What is your prognosis?

There are a few ways I could answer this. My first answer is that I will have complete healing, and I pray for that healing on this side of eternity. I think, medically speaking, the answer would be to stay with no progression for as long as possible and for current tumors to continue to melt away with NED (no evidence of disease).