At 37 years old, after exhausting multiple standard treatments for stage four lung cancer, Natalie was faced with a life-altering decision. This episode shares her incredible true story of undergoing a double lung transplant for lung cancer—a rare and radical procedure that offered a glimmer of hope. But what happens when the fight isn't over? Natalie joins us to discuss her entire journey, from a persistent cough that led to a shocking diagnosis to the unbelievable challenges and surprising turns she faced after her transplant.
In this powerful and honest conversation, Natalie details the full spectrum of stage four lung cancer treatment options she endured. Her journey began with a persistent cough and fatigue, initially dismissed as asthma, before a biopsy revealed adenocarcinoma. With no targetable mutations found during biomarker testing, she started on a grueling regimen of chemotherapy and immunotherapy. When those treatments eventually stopped working and several clinical trials failed, her medical team presented a final, high-stakes option: a double lung transplant for lung cancer. Natalie bravely relocated to Chicago for the procedure, navigating the immense physical, emotional, and financial challenges of the surgery and recovery process. In a devastating turn of events, she later experienced a cancer recurrence after transplant, with the disease appearing in her new lungs and spine.
Despite these immense setbacks, Natalie's spirit remains unbreakable. She has transformed her experience into a powerful mission of lung cancer patient advocacy, determined to educate the public that anyone with lungs can get lung cancer. She speaks candidly about the importance of a support system, the pain of "cancer ghosting," and offers practical advice on how to support someone with cancer in meaningful ways—from sending a gift card to simply being present. This episode is a raw look at the realities of living with advanced cancer, the difficult decisions patients face, and the resilience required to find hope and purpose in the face of uncertainty.
About Our Guest:
Natalie is a courageous lung cancer warrior and passionate advocate. After being diagnosed with stage four lung cancer at 33, she underwent a life-changing double lung transplant. Now, she uses her powerful story to educate others about the risks of lung cancer, advocate for patient care, and share the realities of cancer recurrence and survivorship.
Timestamps / Chapters:
(00:00) Introduction
(05:59) The Unrelenting Cough: Path to a Stage Four Lung Cancer Diagnosis
(12:20) Navigating Early Treatments: Chemotherapy, Immunotherapy, and Clinical Trials
(19:29) The Life-Changing Decision: Pursuing a Double Lung Transplant
(23:15) Building a Village: The Power of Support and "Cancer Ghosting"
(31:13) Inside the Operating Room: The Reality of Double Lung Transplant Surgery
(33:41) A Shocking Setback: Facing Cancer Recurrence After Transplant
(37:45) Life Today: Navigating Ongoing Chemo and Radiation
(42:43) From Patient to Advocate: Why Natalie Shares Her Lung Cancer Story
(50:59) Lessons in Strength and Self-Advocacy: Natalie’s Advice for the Cancer Journey
Episode Resources: