Lung Cancer Will Never Define Me: Mike Smith’s Journey of Resilience
How one father’s courageous fight with stage 4 lung cancer inspires hope, advocacy, and support for countless others.
In September 2016, Mike Smith received the life-changing diagnosis of stage 4 EGFR-positive lung cancer, but he refuses to let cancer define him. This is the story of his courageous battle, his approach to advocacy, and the lessons he shares for anyone affected by lung cancer—no matter their background or personal history.
Table of Contents
- My Diagnosis
- My Treatment Journey So Far
- Lung Cancer in Nonsmokers: FAQs
- Living With Cancer: Family and Daily Life
- Advocacy and Hope for the Future
- Frequently Asked Questions
My Diagnosis
Mike’s cancer journey began in the summer of 2016, when unexplained chest pain and shortness of breath led him down an unexpected medical path. After switching doctors and reviewing his medical history, a simple chest X-ray revealed a suspicious mass on his right lung.
Further tests confirmed the worst: stage 4 EGFR-positive non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). An MRI later detected a brain tumor near his right ear, deepening the gravity of his situation.
Despite never having smoked, Mike learned that up to 20% of people with lung cancer in the United States are nonsmokers. Lung cancer often carries the stigma of being a smoker’s disease, but cases like Mike’s challenge this misconception and highlight the importance of awareness for all.
Mike and his wife faced the emotional burden of delivering this news to their three children, then ages 6, 8, and 10. That night, they gathered with pillows and blankets to sleep together, symbolizing unity in the face of uncertainty.
| Lung Cancer Fact | Statistic |
|---|---|
| 5-Year Survival Rate (All Stages) | ~26.7% |
| 5-Year Survival Rate (Stage 4) | ~8.9% |
| Nonsmokers Among Lung Cancer Cases (U.S.) | Up to 20% |
My Treatment Journey So Far
Mike’s path through cancer treatment has been marked by both challenge and hope. His initial treatment addressed tumors in his chest and spine:
- Radiation therapy for his T2 vertebrae tumor to alleviate chest pain
- Brain radiation following discovery of a brain tumor
- Targeted oral medication (afatinib, brand name Gilotrif) for EGFR-mutated cancer
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The response to treatment was initially positive, but complications soon arose. He developed radiation pneumonitis—an inflammation of the lungs triggered by treatment. Several months later, swelling in his brain required surgical intervention:
- July 2017: Underwent craniotomy (skull surgery) when steroids failed to reduce swelling
Remarkably, he felt well enough to mow his lawn just one week after brain surgery—a testament to his determination.
The years that followed brought new complications, including a chronic cough and wheezing. Diagnostic exams (bronchoscopy and biopsy) revealed a new cancer mutation, which precipitated another shift in his treatment approach.
Mike participated in a clinical trial that temporarily shrank his tumors by 20-25%, but new brain metastases forced him to discontinue the trial. His journey continued with:
- Third targeted therapy drug—ongoing and currently successful for disease control
- Additional radiation for metastases in his brain and vertebrae
- Tumor ablation (image-guided destruction of vertebral tumors) in early 2021
Table: Mike Smith’s Treatment Timeline
| Year | Treatment | Outcome/Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | Diagnosis, radiation, targeted therapy (Gilotrif) | Initial response |
| 2017 | Craniotomy (brain surgery) | Rapid recovery |
| 2018 | Chronic cough, new mutation discovered | Treatment change; entered clinical trial |
| 2019-2021 | Multiple therapies, tumor ablation, ongoing targeted therapy | Stable disease; active life |
Lung Cancer in Nonsmokers: FAQs
- Can people who never smoked develop lung cancer? Absolutely. Up to 20% of new cases are in people who never smoke.
- What are common symptoms? Chronic cough, chest pain, wheezing, and unexplained fatigue.
- How does EGFR-positive lung cancer differ? EGFR (epidermal growth factor receptor) mutations can often be targeted with specific oral medications.
- What is targeted therapy? Treatments like afatinib block cancer cell growth signals, often with fewer side effects than chemotherapy.
Living With Cancer: Family and Daily Life
Beyond the medical journey, Mike emphasizes the importance of normalcy and retaining everyday routines. He has remained active, balancing treatment and perseverance:
- Continued full-time work (with support from his employer, working remotely as needed)
- Maintained a fitness regimen, going to the gym regularly
- Participated in children’s activities, coaching football and teaching his daughter to drive
- Faced challenges such as pain interrupting sleep—an everyday reminder of living with cancer
Family support and community play a vital role. Mike recalls how neighbors supported his family during the darkest days, and how spending quality time together, especially at night after sharing the diagnosis, helped maintain hope and connection.
Advocacy and Hope for the Future
Mike is committed to advocacy, both for himself and for the broader lung cancer community. He understands that research and outreach efforts are crucial to improving outcomes and finding a cure:
- Participates in awareness events such as the Fight For Air Climb to support research
- Works with organizations like the American Lung Association to fund life-saving advances
- Encourages patients to advocate for themselves and others
- Highlights the evolving landscape of treatments, including clinical trials and personalized medicine
The impact of advocacy extends to research funding, improved therapies, and breaking down misconceptions about lung cancer risk. Mike’s story illuminates the critical need for support systems and the power of a patient’s voice.
Key Advocacy Takeaways
- Anyone can be diagnosed with lung cancer—smoker or nonsmoker.
- Early detection and comprehensive medical evaluation are vital.
- Patient advocacy drives research, innovation, and improved care.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What type of lung cancer was Mike Smith diagnosed with?
A: Mike Smith was diagnosed with stage 4 EGFR-positive non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), a subtype that often responds well to targeted therapies with specific genetic mutations.
Q: How did Mike’s family respond to his diagnosis?
A: The family faced emotional turmoil, particularly the children. To foster togetherness, they camped together in one bedroom the night of the diagnosis, emphasizing support and hope.
Q: What treatments did Mike undergo?
A: Mike’s therapy regimen included radiation for spinal and brain tumors, a craniotomy, several targeted oral drugs (including afatinib), tumor ablation on vertebrae, and participation in a clinical trial.
Q: Has Mike continued working during treatment?
A: Yes, with the support of his employer, Mike worked full-time, often remotely, and maintained an active lifestyle despite ongoing treatments.
Q: How has Mike contributed to lung cancer advocacy?
A: He supports research fundraising efforts and shares his story to inspire other patients and families, participating in awareness climbs and educational outreach initiatives.
Living Beyond Cancer: Lessons for Others
Mike’s story is a beacon for anyone affected by cancer. He exemplifies the importance of:
- Asking critical questions and seeking second opinions from healthcare providers
- Pursuing novel treatments, such as clinical trials, when standard protocols no longer suffice
- Leaning on family, friends, and neighbors for emotional and practical support
- Transforming the cancer experience into an opportunity for advocacy and hope
Although his cancer journey continues, Mike’s strength, optimism, and commitment to making a difference inspire others to redefine what it means to live with lung cancer.
Final Words: Cancer Does Not Define Me
“I decided early on that cancer would not define me,” Mike says. While he acknowledges the daily battles and uncertainties, he emphasizes resilience, the love of family, and the support of community—reminders that, even in the most difficult circumstances, hope can shine through.
For those diagnosed, for caregivers, and for advocates everywhere: Mike Smith’s story of living, loving, and leading beyond lung cancer offers guidance and inspiration—one step at a time.
References
- https://www.wccbcharlotte.com/2021/02/05/a-local-man-with-lung-cancer-to-climb-steps-at-truist-field-to-fund-life-saving-research/
- https://www.mylungcancerteam.com/news/late-stage-lung-cancer-survivor-defies-odds-dedicates-time-to-advocacy
- https://www.healthline.com/health/lung-cancer/mike-smith-lung-cancer-story
- https://www.youtube.com/shorts/bKvPw-Doyjw
- https://www.lung.org/media/press-releases/charlotte-lung-cancer-survivor-spreads-awareness
- https://www.healthline.com/program/living-with-lung-cancer
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nkDWpvy__Ms
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