Polly’s lung cancer diagnosis was devastating, but it’s made her re-evaluate what’s important

Polly discovered her stage 4 lung cancer through a persistent cough and shortness of breath

I'm Polly, and I'm 64 years old. I'm a former bed and breakfast host who now spends time gardening, knitting, looking after our menagerie of chickens and ducks and drinking coffee, as well as volunteering in our local hospice shop and enjoying holidays in our caravan.

When I got diagnosed in 2021, it was stage 4 EGFR+ lung cancer. I’d had a persistent cough and shortness of breath.

Following diagnosis I retired which gives me time to take care of myself well. Hobbies and time with family and friends means a lot to me and helps me to keep up my cheerful outlook and positivity. I'm always appreciating nature, wildlife and the simple things in life.

I couldn't have got through the last few years without my amazing family, friends and the EGFR+ group. Some of the people that I've met through EGFR+ have become good friends, supporting each other through our cancer journeys.

My diagnosis was devastating, but it has made me re-evaluate life and what is really important.

“Hobbies and time with family and friends means a lot to me and helps me to keep up my cheerful outlook and positivity. I'm always appreciating nature, wildlife and the simple things in life.” - Polly