From Brain Diagnosis to Lung Cancer: Emma's Unexpected Journey

Emma was initially diagnosed with neurocysticercosis before discovering Stage IV lung cancer

I'm Emma, a 36-year-old statistician and mum of two who loves to travel, run and spend time with my gorgeous boys.

When I received my diagnosis in 2023, it was Stage IV ALK+ lung cancer. I had been experiencing numbness in my fingers. I was initially diagnosed with neurocysticercosis in my brain with potential pneumonia, and a follow-up chest x-ray was scheduled. It was through this process that my lung cancer was discovered.

For me, self-care means living in the present and trying not to think too much about the future. My one- and four-year-olds keep me very present but I also go running and go to yoga classes when I need some time to myself. Curling up on the couch with my husband and a good TV show also keeps me calm and grounds me in the moment. And when I'm feeling overwhelmed, I get out in my garden. Nurturing the garden gives me a sense of control and I love to watch new life grow - it gives me hope that I'll be around to watch my efforts pay off.

"It's a cliché but life is so short and so precious. My advice to everyone is to try your best to be happy and make the most of what you've got. It's a privilege to grow old, to get grey hairs, to get wrinkles.”