A suspicious spot was found on a chest x-ray Annamarie had in 2010. It was supposed to be a routine screening before an elective surgery procedure, but it led to a CT scan with more bad news. On Mother’s Day, she received a call from her doctor – there was a cancerous tumor in her lung.
“I’ll never forget that day,” Annamarie said. “When your doctor calls you on a Sunday, you know it’s not good. It sure ruined Mother’s Day.”
A lot more test followed, and then there was surgery to remove the tumor and part of her lung. “There was no time to think about it. It all went so fast.” Having COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) made Annamarie’s year-long recovery more arduous.
Then, in 2014, she got sick again and her health care team thought the cancer had returned. “I had pneumonia and blood clots in my legs, but I never gave up hope,” said Annamarie. Fortunately, after numerous tests, no cancer was found.
Annamarie recently started attending Cancer Support Community’s lung cancer support group. “No one can understand your cancer journey, but it helps to be around others who have the same issues,” she offered.
Annamarie had attended yoga classes with Abby in the past, and when the COVID-19 pandemic required social distancing, she decided to try the virtual programs at Cancer Support Community. “It has helped a lot to be able to participate,” she noted. “With my age and health concerns related to the virus, I can’t go out. COVIS is a lung disease and I already have compromised lungs, so it’s a real concern.”
“The virtual programs have been a Godsend for my husband and me,” Annamarie offered. “We’re both extremely appreciative that they’re being offered.
For more information on how you can support our Virtual Community, please visit https://cancersupportohio.org/get-involved/facingcancertogether/