I was diagnosed with lung cancer by fluke!

That phrase "it's probably nothing but we'll just refer you to Respiratory" still rings in my ears.

I'm Lesley, and I'm 65 years old. I'm retired and starting a new chapter after losing my husband shortly after my surgery in 2024.

When I first got my diagnosis in 2018, it was stage 2 EGFR+ lung cancer. I didn't know anything about the EGFR+ mutation. The second time around, in 2022, at my 4 year check, the appearance of ground glass was put down to COVID - and by the time it was confirmed to be cancer again at my 5 year check, it was stage 3.

I had no symptoms either time. I was very fortunate that I was diagnosed by fluke, during tests for something else. That phrase "it's probably nothing but we'll just refer you to Respiratory" still rings in my ears.

Now I'm on adjuvant treatment and in remission I really want to do the travelling that Cliff and I didn't get to do. I've already been to Italy and plan to do more travels while it is still possible and my health holds up.

I joined a cancer community where I live in Bath and through their wonderful get togethers have made friends and been signposted to so many new activities. The eye opener for me has been connecting with nature through regular wellbeing sessions in the woods. I took part in a Visual Journaling course, and am about to start an Art Therapy course through a local museum. I have applied to take up Nordic Walking with a hospital cancer group and I've joined the Lung Choir run by the South West EGFR+ group. I'm keeping really busy and being very well supported.

After the devastation of bereavement and surgery last year I have made it a mission to take care of myself and live the life I've got left as well as possible.

“The eye opener for me has been connecting with nature through regular wellbeing sessions in the woods.” - Lesley