“I was diagnosed with lung cancer on 19th March 2013 at 64 years old, married to my husband Allen, with three daughters – Lynsey, Julie and Zoe – and a lifetime of sport behind me. I had played tennis for Ulster and Ireland, cycled regularly, and always kept myself fit.
“Cancer – and especially, lung cancer – was the last thing on my mind.
“Looking back, my symptoms were subtle. While playing tennis, I noticed I was slightly out of breath. Not enough to stop me playing, but enough to feel that something wasn’t quite right.
“Friends reassured me – “We’re all getting older” – but I knew my body, and this felt different. That feeling stayed with me for a couple of months.
Something wasn’t right
“I went to my GP in January 2013 and was told everything seemed fine. I went back again in February and was reassured again – but I pushed for an X-ray. That decision changed everything.
“The radiologist told me I had fluid on my left lung. A CT scan followed, but there was too much fluid to see clearly. When they drained it – four litres in total – I was told the news: I had stage 4 non-small cell lung cancer.
“I was in shock. I had no cough, I was still playing tennis, and I had never smoked. My husbaroycastle.org/ive-been-living-with-stage-4-lung-cancer-for-13-yearsnd asked if surgery was an option. It wasn’t. It all felt unreal.
“Before treatment could begin, the fluid returned and had to be drained again. But then came a turning point – I was found to be suitable for a targeted therapy drug called gefitinib. I stayed on it for six years, with only minor side effects.
“When it stopped working, I moved onto another targeted therapy, osimertinib, which I’ve now been taking for seven years. Aside from some hair loss, I’ve been incredibly fortunate.
These treatments have given me my life back
“Before my diagnosis, I thought lung cancer only affected people who smoked. Since then, I’ve met many others like me – people who never smoked but were still diagnosed. It’s something more people need to understand.
“Not long after my diagnosis, in December 2013, I did a tandem skydive to raise money for cancer charities. Since then, I’ve taken on multiple abseils across Belfast – from the Obel building, Belfast Castle, and Belfast City Hospital – and volunteered at many events.
“And something I never thought possible? I returned to tennis. I’ve since played again for Ulster and represented Ireland in Turkey, Spain and Croatia.
“Through it all, my family has been by my side. When I was diagnosed, one of my daughters had just been married, and I worried I might not be there for the others. Today, I’m proud to say I’ve seen all three of my daughters get married and I now have six beautiful grandchildren.
“I feel incredibly lucky. I also owe so much to my consultant, Paula Scullion, who has supported me every step of the way.
“If there’s one thing I would say to others, it’s this: trust your instincts. If you feel something isn’t right, don’t be afraid to push for answers. I did and it saved my life. Don’t wait. Don’t ignore it. And don’t be afraid to ask for more tests.”