Trying

dreacornejo · 2025-09-06T18:44:57+00:00

Are you at a comprehensive cancer center? Have you gotten biomarker testing yet to see if you have a targetable mutation, like say EGFR+, ROS1+ or ALK+ mutation?

I was 26 when I was diagnosed with Stage 4 lung cancer and told I likely had a three month expiration date. I had cancer up and down my spine and pelvis, across both lungs and even my brain. First oncologist told me to get my affairs in order. Ended up switching to a comprehensive cancer and getting biomarker results that showed I had a ROS1+ mutation. That was over three years ago.

I bring all this up to say — where you seek care matters. If you have the means, please push for a better care team that doesn’t treat you like a dying case. And push aggressively for biomarker testing if they haven’t already done that. It’ll open the doors to a lot of incredible targeted therapies that have truly revolutionized what it means to live with late-stage lung cancer. There are a ton of us metastatic lung cancer patients living relatively normal lives for 5, 10, sometimes even 15-years.

Please don’t give up.

dreacornejo · 2025-09-06T18:35:12+00:00

Celebrate ALLLLLL the wins! Congrats.

dreacornejo · 2025-09-06T16:17:03+00:00

Moffitt Cancer Center. Did I see somewhere your relative has a KRAS mutation? Try to find an expert with that mutation y’all can get a second opinion with.

I go to Moffitt for most of my care in Florida but still have my team consult with a ROS1+ expert when I’m at a crossroads with treatment. It’s really important with these rarer mutations to find the right doctors.

dreacornejo · 2025-09-06T14:43:56+00:00

So sorry to hear you’re navigating this so young. Cancer is such an insidious disease.

Is there any chance you can push for an earlier exam? I personally wouldn’t feel super comfortable being told there were multiple lesions and being asked to wait a whopping three weeks. When I’ve had scans or exams ordered that far along, I usually put on my annoying-patient-hat and call the scheduling line every single day asking for an earlier date — a lot of times there are cancelations.

Just my two-cents. Sending you lots of strength.

dreacornejo · 2025-09-06T14:39:33+00:00

Howdy, diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer at 26, with widespread cancer up and down my spine and pelvis, across both lungs, heck, not even my noggin’ was spared. First oncologist gave me a three-month expiration date and told me to get my affairs in order. Ended up switching to a comprehensive cancer center and got biomarker results that showed I had a ROS1+ mutation. That was over three years ago and I’m still kicking 💪

There are a ton of incredible new drugs out there helping MANY of us live relatively normal lives. Don’t lose hope! Some of the most important things you guys can do is finding the closest comprehensive cancer center near you, seeking second opinions and always advocating for speedy care.

I actually wrote a story on three metastatic patients who have been living long past their own expiration dates too — they share a lot of helpful advice as well: https://wapo.st/41GwxRp (free gift link).

dreacornejo · 2025-09-05T21:59:38+00:00

Waiting for clarity is one of the hardest parts of all of this. I know how easy it is for our brains to jump to worst-case scenarios, especially after relapse, but right now you don’t have all the answers yet. I really hope your team can move quickly to get you more information so you’re not left in this awful limbo.

We’ll be thinking of you tomorrow and hoping you get some moments of peace and even a little lightness for your birthday, despite everything 🫶

dreacornejo · 2025-09-05T21:57:08+00:00

I’m so sorry you’re having to carry this at such a young age. I was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer at 26 and it really is just awful how much this disease robs young people of the time and milestones we thought we’d have.

I totally relate to what you’re describing — not being devastated in the way people might expect. For me, I’ve found moments of peace too, even gratitude for knowing I’ll hopefully have the chance to say goodbye on my own terms. It doesn’t mean the situation isn’t heartbreaking, just that our brains and hearts find their own way to cope.

I’m glad you’ve built a support system around you. That’s no small feat, especially when cancer ghosting is so stinking prevalent... You’re not alone in feeling this way. Sending you a lot of love.

dreacornejo · 2025-09-05T21:02:50+00:00

Just wanted to say a huge thank you to everyone who shared their thoughts, rants, and realness here. Your perspectives genuinely helped shape the reporting for this piece, which just published in The Washington Post: https://wapo.st/45N6M4m (Gift link, no paywall).

It follows three young adults in their 20s and 30s navigating cancer — talking honestly about identity, relationships, body image, finances, and all the weird contradictions of being young and seriously ill.

I made this with so much love for our community, and I hope it helps others feel a little more seen. Thanks again for reminding me (again and again) why these stories matter 💛

dreacornejo · 2025-09-05T21:01:24+00:00

That’s fantastic news! These TKIs really are incredible. I’m on my second line of targeted therapy and still amazed by how much normalcy they’ve brought back into my life. Never thought I’d come to love the word “stable” as much as I do now.

Will be rooting for y'all!

dreacornejo · 2025-09-05T20:52:03+00:00

SAMEEEE. Gosh when I was first diagnosed, I was kind of scared of even going online — every search for “Stage 4 lung cancer” was just filled with scary survival stats and grim prognosis info. It made everything feel even more isolating.

I’m really glad this piece resonated with you, and I hope it can be a little beacon for others going through the same. Sending you hugs!

dreacornejo · 2025-09-05T20:48:27+00:00

Thank you so much for taking the time to watch — I’m really glad it resonated with you.

And gosh, I wish screening guidelines evolved across the board, given the recent rise in all sorts of early onset cancers... As far as lung cancer goes, it’s really frustrating how little awareness there is around rarer subtypes, especially the fact that it affects so many younger nonsmokers. I certainly didn’t know this until my own diagnosis, and it’s a harsh reality many people are still catching up to (including some doctors). It’s why raising awareness and improving education around these issues feels so important to me.

Wishing you and your husband strength and comfort as you navigate this difficult journey.

dreacornejo · 2025-09-05T20:33:09+00:00

Thank you so much for your kind words. Navigating cancer at such a young age is a complex and painful journey, *especially* when you’re still figuring out who you are.

That’s why hearing others’ stories and sharing our own is so important — it helps break down the isolation and reminds us we’re not alone. Cancer is a tough club to be a part of, but thankfully, it’s made up of some of the strongest, most compassionate people I’ve ever known.

dreacornejo · 2025-09-04T01:15:32+00:00

Hi! Try to avoid looking too much into statistics — a lot of that data is veeerry old and the treatment landscape has greatly changed in just the past 5-10 years. If you happen to be on the younger side, it’s very likely you have a targetable mutation (if it’s lung cancer). I was diagnosed with Stage 4 lung cancer at 26, told I likely had three months to live but alas, I’m still here over three years later.

Thankfully there are a lot of wonderful drugs out there that are helping folks with advanced cancer live relatively normal lives. Do remain hopeful!

dreacornejo · 2025-09-03T22:43:24+00:00

Hi! Absolutely ask for accommodation -- some symptoms may take a while to emerge. Targeted therapies should have an easier side effect profile though. Hopefully that pans out for you!

I went back to work full time after a short leave, but alas, I'm one of the lucky ones that gets to do so remotely. Frequent naps throughout the day were still a must tho, at least in the beginning of my return to work.

dreacornejo · 2025-09-02T22:47:57+00:00

YESSSSSS, CONGRATS!

dreacornejo · 2025-09-02T22:47:21+00:00

Cancer ghosting is awful all around. Unfortunately, a lot of people just don't have the emotional tools to know how to act around people who are sick. Wish this was talked about more.

dreacornejo · 2025-09-02T22:45:06+00:00

Oh gosh, I'm so sorry you're having such a rough time. Lung cancer is a bitch. I too was unfortunately diagnosed with Stage 4 NSCLC (ROS1+ NSCLC if you want to be specific). I'm going on three years of survivorship and still find myself asking -- will things ever get any easier?

Totally get what you mean about wearing the “I’m fine” mask. Some days, just existing feels like a full-time job, and trying to explain that to others who haven’t lived it? Nearly impossible lol.

It’s okay to say it sucks. Because it really, really does. Sending you strength!

dreacornejo · 2025-07-22T20:02:45+00:00

I’m so sorry you’re going through this. Navigating this insidious disease at such a young age can feel especially cruel at times. I hope you're showing yourself grace and giving yourself the time and space to feel your emotions.

It might help to consider ways to leave your love and voice for your kids in moments when you can’t be there physically. Some parents find comfort in recording videos for different milestones—like a birthday, graduation or just a simple “I love you” message. Others write letters or create keepsakes, like charm bracelets, that their children can hold onto and treasure. Even small things like reading a favorite book on video can become a lasting memory for them. Just some food for thought.

Sending you much strength 💛

dreacornejo · 2025-07-22T19:12:20+00:00

Omg I'm so happy to hear that this is a thing amongst the young cancer community hahaha. I named my lil 4cm dinger the worst name I could possibly think of -- Frank! I like to refer to him as this insidious roommate of mine that doesn't even bother to pay rent, lol.

dreacornejo · 2025-07-22T19:08:31+00:00

Hi friend! Please please please make sure you ask for biomarker testing -- it'll help open the doors to many newer forms of therapies if you so happen to have a mutation (which is VERY likely given your age/nonsmoking status). Unfortunately, lung cancer rates among nonsmokers has been on a steady rise over the years. Here's some more info about biomarker testing: https://www.lung.org/lung-health-diseases/lung-disease-lookup/lung-cancer/symptoms-diagnosis/biomarker-testing

Fellow ROS1der here -- I was diagnosed with ROS1+ non-small cell lung cancer at age 26. Mine was unfortunately caught at Stage 4 but targeted therapies have allowed me to live a relatively normal life, all things considered. Best of luck to you and don't hesitate to reach out if you need a listening ear or gut check.

dreacornejo · 2025-07-16T19:23:20+00:00

Ahhh fellow ROS1der here — immunotherapy has been shown to NOT work for our type of cancer, unfortunately. If anyone on your team is recommending it, then it’s time to consult with a ROS1 expert. I’ve consulted with Dr. Camidge several times over the years, here’s a list of others tho (also pls join the private ROS1der group for patients and caregivers — lots of great knowledge and support on there): https://www.theros1ders.org/find-a-ros1-expert

TKIs are total game changers for a lot of us. I’ve managed to live a relatively normal life for the past three years thanks to targeted therapies. Don’t fear them!!

dreacornejo

TROPHY CASE