Understanding the Impact of Lung Cancer: Personal Reflections on Two Unique Journeys
By Jodi Chapin RN
"In the United States, the American Cancer Society estimates that 234,580 people will be diagnosed with lung cancer in 2024, and 125,070 people will die from the disease."
November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month, and I find myself reflecting on the two brave women in my life whose battles with lung cancer shaped my understanding of this disease. Lung cancer remains one of the deadliest cancers, often showing no symptoms until it has progressed to later stages. But as my family has learned, awareness and early detection can make a world of difference. I hope that by sharing my experiences, I can raise awareness and offer support for anyone who is going through something similar.
Honoring a friend's Resilient Spirit
My best friend April faced her diagnosis of stage 4 non-small cell lung cancer with remarkable courage and strength. For nearly four years, she endured this journey with resilience, despite the pain and the odds stacked against her. As a young mother with two small children, she had so much more life to live. Her diagnosis shook us all, but her love and devotion to her family never wavered, even through the hardest days. The chemotherapy and radiation brought her both hope and hardship, causing nausea, intense fatigue, and unrelenting pain. Yet, she remained the loving, strong soul who held her family close.
Support Through Reiki and Compassionate Care
As I watched her struggle, I felt compelled to find ways to support her beyond traditional treatments. That’s when I discovered Reiki, a form of energy healing that promotes relaxation and can provide comfort during times of pain and stress. I learned and began practicing Reiki specifically for my friend, offering sessions that became moments of peace amid her rigorous treatment schedule. Reiki didn’t replace her medical care, but it offered her a sense of calm and relief that helped her regain a small sense of control. It also became a meaningful way for us to connect in a way that transcended words. Practicing Reiki for April opened my eyes to the profound impact of compassionate, holistic support, and it's since become a cherished part of my life and caregiving.
Exploring Cannabis as a Form of Relief
Wanting to ease her suffering even further, I turned to cannabis as a therapeutic option — this was my first experience using it in this way. I began making cannabis smoothies, and we were both encouraged by the results. The cannabis didn’t cure her cancer, but it made a noticeable difference in her day-to-day comfort, alleviating pain and reducing some of the harsher effects of chemotherapy, such as nausea. Cannabis allowed her more quality time with her family, offering moments of peace and relief during the most challenging times.
When she eventually passed, she left behind a legacy of resilience and love that still inspires me. Her journey taught me the incredible power of holistic care, from the gentle presence of Reiki to the medicinal properties of cannabis. As we remember those we've lost during Lung Cancer Awareness Month, I honor her spirit and the strength she showed us all. She continues to remind me that healing is about so much more than just treatment—it’s about finding peace and compassion in every way possible.
A Success Story: My Mother’s Early Diagnosis and Recovery
In contrast to April’s experience, my mother’s lung cancer story reminds me of the power of early detection. More than two decades ago, she was diagnosed with adenocarcinoma of the lung. Thankfully, her cancer was caught early enough that she only needed a lobectomy, a surgical procedure to remove the affected lobe of her lung. My mother has been cancer-free ever since, and she’s here today, enjoying life with her children, grandchildren, and now great-grandchildren.
When I think about her story, I am struck by how differently things could have turned out had her cancer gone undetected longer. Her experience serves as a testament to the value of early screenings and regular check-ups, especially for those with risk factors or a family history of cancer.
Alternative Therapies and the Role of Cannabis in Cancer Care
While my journey with medical cannabis started with April, it has since become a significant part of my approach to health and wellness. Cannabis was invaluable in April’s journey, helping her manage the pain, nausea, and emotional toll that cancer brings. Though it wasn’t a cure, it improved her quality of life when she needed it most.
Cannabis remains an option worth exploring, especially in combination with traditional therapies. Studies have shown its potential benefits in alleviating cancer-related symptoms, from pain and nausea to appetite loss and cachexia. Although every individual's cancer journey is different, it’s vital to have access to information about options like cannabis, which can provide comfort and relief when other options fall short.
Honoring the Strength of Cancer Warriors
As I reflect on Lung Cancer Awareness Month, I honor the courage and resilience of those fighting lung cancer and those we’ve lost to it. Early detection saved my mother’s life, but for so many like April, early signs aren’t always there. Lung cancer research and awareness are critical in giving others a chance at a longer, healthier life, which is why this month is so important.
Let’s use this time to educate ourselves and our loved ones about lung cancer risks and symptoms and support those going through their own battles. For me, this month will always be about remembering April, celebrating my mother, and advocating for compassionate, holistic approaches to cancer care.
References
American Lung Association. "Lung Cancer: Understanding Types and Treatment Options." American Lung Association, lung.org/lung-health-diseases/lung-disease-lookup/lung-cancer.Provides
LUNGevity Foundation. "About Lung Cancer: Education and Support for Patients." LUNGevity Foundation, lungevity.org.
National Cancer Institute (NCI). "Cannabis and Cannabinoids (PDQ®) – Patient Version." National Institutes of Health, cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/cam/patient/cannabis-pdq.
National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH). "Reiki: What You Need to Know." National Institutes of Health, nccih.nih.gov/health/reiki.Discusses
Project CBD. "Cannabis for Cancer: How Cannabinoids Can Aid in the Treatment of Cancer." Project CBD, projectcbd.org/medicine/cancer.This
RadiologyInfo.org. "Lung Cancer Screening." Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) and American College of Radiology (ACR), radiologyinfo.org/en/info/screening-lung.Outlines
Society for Integrative Oncology. "Guidelines for Integrative Oncology: Complementary Approaches to Cancer Care." Society for Integrative Oncology, integrativeonc.org.
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