Lung cancer and breast cancer survivor Renita wasn’t willing to sit idly by when her lung cancer returned. Watch as she shares about her treatment, how she took control of her third cancer journey, and clinical trial support.
Lung cancer and breast cancer survivor Renita was floored when her lung cancer returned with a vengeance, and she was given 6 months to live. Watch as she shares about her treatment, how she found a clinical trial and took control of her third cancer journey, and clinical trial support. In Renita’s words, “I don’t know what I would do without Lazarex’s help,” she explains. “Without them, I don’t think I’d be able to keep going with this trial…The cost of travel would completely wipe out all my retirement and everything I have…I’m just so grateful I don’t have to worry about that and can focus on getting well.”
Transcript:
At 49, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. Fortunately, I beat it. A decade later, came a stage III lung cancer diagnosis. Robotic surgery successfully removed the cancerous spots on my lungs. But a few years later, lung cancer returned with a vengeance.
Despite aggressive treatment including surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy, the cancer spread to my adrenal glands. I dropped down to 70 pounds. My doctor gave me six months to live, but I was not willing to accept that death sentence.
I found a clinical trial at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, but it was several hours away from my home. My family initially drove me, but that quickly proved to be unsustainable with trips required every three weeks. I was at a crossroads.
I learned about Lazarex Cancer Foundation, which reimburses patients for their travel costs for clinical trials. I signed up right away, and they started reimbursing me for travel expenses. Lazarex made it possible to travel to the trial and stay in the trial. Finding my way to Lazarex was a godsend.
As a 3rd-time cancer survivor, I’m now filled with hope and take things day by day. With the help of an incredible support group of my family, friends, neighbors, healthcare team, and Lazarex – I’m healing and focusing on my future.
