"Living with lung cancer is a roller coaster of hope, anxiety and (sometimes) relief.”
These are the words of 66-year-old Alyson who over the last decade has experienced the highs and lows of a difficult cancer journey.
Today, Alyson is living with stage 4 lung cancer that has metastasized to her brain. And she will never be cured.
However, thanks to the past support of donors, genetic testing enabled Alyson’s medical team to identify a daily anti-cancer medication that specifically targets the cancer cells in her body. As a result, Alyson’s cancer is currently stable and she has a better chance at a longer life with her partner, children and grandchildren.
When Alyson was diagnosed with stage 3 lung cancer in 2014 her life changed forever.
After chemotherapy and radiation failed to shrink the tumours, she had to undergo surgery to remove a portion of her lung. Fortunately, Alyson’s surgery was a success.
For three years Alyson was cancer free.
“It was great. Life was wonderful and I was so grateful.”
In 2018 Alyson had blurred vision and began bumping into things. An urgent MRI revealed the cancer had returned.
This time, the tumours were on her brain. And it was inoperable.
“The news came just three weeks before my 60th birthday celebration. I was in shock.”
Alyson underwent a series of radiation treatments on her entire brain despite the dreaded side effects. She wanted more tomorrows with her loved ones and was willing to do whatever it took.
Manitobans’ generous investment in local research has enabled access to advanced genetic sequencing tests. Tests which led to highly targeted daily medication that’s keeping Alyson’s cancer stable.
Alyson knows that one day, the cancer will start to resist the medication and begin to advance.
When that day comes, she is hopeful that thanks to the investment in cancer research by people just like you, a new treatment may be available.
By signing up as a monthly donor today, your gifts will be invested in research at the Paul Albrechtsen Research Institute CancerCare Manitoba and will give Alyson hope for more tomorrows with her loved ones.
A cryostat is an essential piece of equipment which allows researchers to examine patients’ tissue samples with a high level of detail. Understanding these samples helps identify treatments based on the unique molecular make up of an individual’s cancer cells.
Your support today will allow for the purchase of a new and upgraded cryostat.
Your contribution toward this vital new equipment is an investment in those you love – and an investment in Alyson’s future. It is thanks to generous people like you that CancerCare Manitoba’s research program can bring innovative treatments to Manitobans. Treatments that save lives.
Alyson is grateful to donors like you.
She is also grateful to the talented team of caregivers at CancerCare Manitoba who have helped her on her cancer journey. Today, she continues with regular scans and blood work to monitor the effectiveness of her treatment.
While her fear of the cancer spreading is very real, Alyson tries to stay positive through physical activity and spending time with loved ones. She also believes in the power of the research you help fund. In what it can do for her – and for so many Manitobans experiencing cancer.
Your gift matters.
Your investment today in a new and upgraded cryostat will help ensure that Manitobans like Alyson continue to have hope for more tomorrows with their loved ones.
Whether you make a one-time gift today or sign up as a monthly donor, you will make a real difference in the lives of Manitobans with cancer.
