Welcome to the November 30th Edition of Lung Cancer Awareness Month 2015.  Trying to understand what is going on in November – read November 1st blog post. 

I am happy to connect you all with lung cancer advocate Jamie Shull.

Jamie will be quite thrilled when lung cancer is a manageable, chronic disease, that keeps people living and living well.

She feels strongly, “Anyone with lungs can get lung cancer.” That is the message she spreads.

The cancer bomb exploded into Jamie’s life when her husband of 18-years, Kurt, was diagnosed with advanced stage lung cancer in December 2010.  She took on the roll as primary caregiver doing what ever it took to ensure the best care for her husband and their 14-year-old son. First line treatment took nearly everything out of Kurt. Unwilling to accept the way things were headed, Jamie, using her superior “get-shit-done” skills, found a clinical trial at a local teaching hospital – a turning point for Kurt as well as lung cancer as a whole. Jamie explains, “After a week on Crizotinib this frail man roared back to life!” Good times were had. Family vacations took place. Milestones hit demanded celebration.
Eventually, the relentless cancer maneuvered around Crizotinib and unfortunately a next step for Kurt was never taken. Jamie, her family and friends were able to witness first-hand the benefits of advancements in lung cancer research and treatment options.

Jamie continues her involvement with the lung cancer community and is a resource for patients, caregivers, nurses, and doctors. She is connected locally through Oregon Health and Science University and nationally through LUNGevity. Lack of funding in research is a huge concern of hers.

Jamie is still working her way through the trauma initiated with Kurt’s diagnosis in 2010. Engaging with this woman you know she has lived, loved, and suffered loss. She remains strong and fierce with a touch of tenderness; everything you would want to see in a mother, friend, family member or yourself. She is ready for anything – even more-so when wearing her favorite black boots.

Read Day 29 Profile HERE.

Thank you for joining us during Lung  Cancer Awareness Month for our Profiles in Lung Cancer blog chain. You can find links for all the November 2015 Profiles (as well as future Profiles) on LCSM Chat’s “Profiles in Lung Cancer” page. http://lcsmchat.com/profiles-in-lung-cancer/