Young Lung Cancer Initiative Podcast

He Thought It Was Shoulder Pain. It Was Stage 4 Lung Cancer | Michael’s Story

Young Lung Cancer Initiative — Fri, 30 Oct 2026 13:28:40 GMT

Michael Blackstone thought he was dealing with a shoulder problem. Testing led to a stage 4 lung cancer diagnosis.

In this episode of Patient Conversations with Leah Phillips, Michael shares his experience of getting diagnosed, living on daily targeted therapy, and facing progression and treatment decisions. They talk about the impact on caregivers, the emotional weight of taking a pill every day, and why Michael decided to share his story publicly.

Michael also reflects on how cancer changed his plans, his relationships, and what he no longer takes for granted.

In this episode

From shoulder pain to a stage 4 lung cancer diagnosis
Telling family and adjusting plans for the future
The impact of cancer on caregivers
Living with targeted therapy and daily medication
Progression, radiation, and treatment uncertainty
Sharing his story publicly and finding community

Chapters
00:00 Preview
00:22 From shoulder pain to a stage 4 diagnosis
01:39 How Michael got the news
05:29 Telling his wife and family
06:19 How cancer changed his plans
12:07 What he no longer takes for granted
13:34 The impact on caregivers
18:07 Living with targeted therapy
23:28 The emotional weight of daily medication
26:31 Deciding to share his diagnosis publicly
31:09 Why patient stories matter
33:23 Awareness, funding and stigma
34:46 Progression, radiation and uncertainty
41:16 His perspective on stage 4
44:07 How stage 4 is portrayed
47:30 Difficult conversations about the future
49:55 Community and advocacy
52:58 Closing thoughts and YLCI resources

Get involved in Humans of Lung Cancer
This November, Young Lung Cancer Initiative, EGFR Resisters and Oncogene Cancer Research are sharing the people and lives behind the diagnosis. Share your story, create a card or add a campaign profile frame:
https://humans-of-lung-cancer.web.app/

About Young Lung Cancer Initiative
Young Lung Cancer Initiative (YLCI) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit supporting young adults affected by lung cancer and their families through education, advocacy, research and community resources.

Learn more: https://ylci.org/
Resource Directory: https://ylci.org/resource-directory/
Join the free YLCI Circle: https://ylci.org/join-the-ylci-circle/
Faces of YLC: https://ylci.org/faces-of-ylc/
Instagram: https://instagram.com/younglungcancer
Donate: https://ylci.org/donate/

Medical disclaimer
This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The stories and information shared reflect individual experiences. Every diagnosis, treatment plan and outcome is different, and what you hear may not apply to your situation. Always consult your oncologist or another qualified healthcare provider with questions about your health or treatment.

When Stage IIIA Lung Cancer Progresses to Stage IV | Aurora’s Story

Young Lung Cancer Initiative — Fri, 04 Sep 2026 17:42:55 GMT

Aurora's journey from misdiagnosis to stage four lung cancer diagnosis highlights the challenges and emotional impact of survivorship. The delayed diagnosis, treatment options, and the emotional toll of progression are key themes in her story. Aurora Lucas shares her journey of being diagnosed with stage four lung cancer, her experience with radiation treatment, and the emotional impact of the diagnosis. She also discusses the impact of the diagnosis on her future plans, fertility, and the importance of advocacy in the lung cancer community.

Takeaways

Resilience
Delayed Diagnosis Radiation treatment and the emotional toll of a stage four lung cancer diagnosis.
The impact of the diagnosis on future plans, fertility, and the importance of advocacy in the lung cancer community.

Chapters

00:00 The Misdiagnosis
01:16 Navigating Symptoms and Seeking Answers
12:22 The Impact of Stage Three Diagnosis
26:14 Progression to Stage Four
31:39 Diagnosis and Treatment
33:32 Impact on Future Plans and Fertility
45:42 Advocacy and Community Support

About Young Lung Cancer Initiative

Young Lung Cancer Initiative (YLCI) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization supporting young adults and people without a smoking history who are affected by lung cancer. Through education, advocacy, research, and community resources, YLCI works to increase awareness, improve understanding, and ensure that no one faces young lung cancer alone.

Learn more: https://ylci.org
Resource Directory: https://ylci.org/resource-directory/
Instagram: https://instagram.com/younglungcancer
Donate: https://ylci.org/donate/

Medical disclaimer: This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The stories and information shared reflect individual experiences. Every diagnosis, treatment plan, and outcome is different, and what you hear may not apply to your situation. Nothing in this podcast is a substitute for professional diagnosis, treatment, or advice from your medical team. Never disregard or delay seeking medical advice because of something you heard here. Always consult your oncologist or another qualified healthcare provider with questions about your health or treatment.

When Progression Happens Earlier Than Expected | Mayya’s Lung Cancer Update

Young Lung Cancer Initiative — Tue, 18 Aug 2026 18:28:44 GMT

Mayya also shares the reality of living with metastatic lung cancer while raising two young children. She discusses working with a child life specialist, explaining cancer to a preschooler in age-appropriate language, and why she chooses to let her children see some of the difficult emotions that come with cancer.

Finally, Mayya and Leah discuss early progression and short responders, why patients who progress earlier than expected can feel isolated even within the lung cancer community, the need for greater research and attention to this population, and the many different ways patients and families can participate in lung cancer advocacy.

CHAPTERS
00:00 Early Progression & Becoming a Short Responder
00:14 Mayya’s Lung Cancer Update
01:35 Finding Out Her Cancer Had Progressed
03:08 Second Opinions & Testing for Resistance
05:02 When Chemotherapy Became the Next Step
09:04 Living With Stage IV Lung Cancer & Uncertainty
10:55 Talking to Young Children About Cancer
17:34 Early Progression, Short Responders & Advocacy

Mayya previously shared her lung cancer story with YLCI in a three-part series, including her diagnosis with stage IV ALK-positive lung cancer at age 39, starting targeted therapy, navigating treatment as a young adult and mother, and seeking expert care.

Medical disclaimer: All content on this channel is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The stories and information shared reflect individual experiences; every diagnosis, treatment plan, and outcome is different, and what you see here may not apply to your situation. Nothing on this channel is a substitute for professional diagnosis, treatment, or advice from your own medical team. Never disregard or delay seeking medical advice because of something you watched here. Always consult your oncologist or another qualified healthcare provider with any questions about your health or treatment.

Menopause & Lung Cancer: Part of Your Care, Not an Afterthought | Dr. Narjust Florez

Young Lung Cancer Initiative — Fri, 07 Aug 2026 18:43:09 GMT

Is it menopause... or the cancer treatment? Brain fog, hot flashes, vaginal dryness, joint pain, mood changes, sleep problems... many of these symptoms can be caused by menopause, lung cancer treatment, or both. So how can women tell the difference?

Dr. Narjust Florez, thoracic oncologist and co-director of the Young Lung Cancer Program at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, and Taryn join YLCI's Leah for an evidence-based conversation about navigating perimenopause and menopause during and after lung cancer treatment.

This episode covers:

✔️ How to tell whether symptoms are menopause, cancer treatment, or both
✔️ Why young women with lung cancer can experience early menopause
✔️ Hormone testing and when it may be helpful
✔️ Is hormone replacement therapy safe after a lung cancer diagnosis?
✔️ Vaginal estrogen, hot flashes, and non-hormonal treatment options
✔️ Finding a menopause specialist who understands cancer care
✔️ Protecting bone health, heart health, skin, hair, and sexual health
✔️ Acupuncture, exercise, and other evidence-based supportive care
✔️ Why you don't have to suffer through menopause alone

⏱️ Chapters:
0:00 Introduction
0:36 Menopause or Cancer Treatment?
2:45 Hormone Replacement Therapy
6:03 Finding a Menopause Specialist
7:43 Feeling Like Yourself Again
11:58 Wellness Clinics & Hormones
14:01 Hormone Testing
15:03 Long-Term Health After Menopause
17:47 Final Advice

🔗 Young Lung Cancer Program at Dana-Farber: https://www.dana-farber.org/cancer-care/treatment/cancer-care-programs/young-lung-cancer-program

🔗 YLCI Resource Directory: https://ylci.org/resource-directory/

🤍 Young Lung Cancer Initiative | https://ylci.org

Medical disclaimer: All content on this channel is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult your oncologist or another qualified healthcare provider with any questions about your health or treatment.

Sex, Intimacy & Lung Cancer: Part of Your Care, Not an Afterthought | Dr. Narjust Florez

Young Lung Cancer Initiative — Mon, 03 Aug 2026 20:38:36 GMT

Is it safe to have sex during lung cancer treatment? How do you handle body image after surgery, scars, or hair loss?? Dr. Narjust Florez and Taryn, who lead the Young Lung Cancer Program at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, join YLCI's Leah for an open, judgment-free conversation covering sex, intimacy, body image, and contraception after a lung cancer diagnosis.

This episode covers:
✔️ Why sexual health gets overlooked in oncology visits
✔️ What "sexual health" actually includes (it's not just intercourse)
✔️ Is it safe to have sex during chemo, immunotherapy, or targeted therapy?
✔️ Loving your body after surgery, scars, and treatment side effects
✔️ Performance anxiety and body image — for men too
✔️ Safest birth control & contraception options during cancer treatment
✔️ How to normalize these conversations with your care team

⏱️ Chapters:
0:00 Sexual Health & Cancer Care
1:23 Redefining Sexual Health
4:01 Safety During Treatment
5:50 Loving Your New Body
8:21 Body Image & Performance Pressure
11:47 Contraception & Birth Control Options
18:34 Normalizing the Conversation

🔗 Young Lung Cancer Program at Dana-Farber: https://www.dana-farber.org/cancer-ca...
🔗 YLCI Resource Directory: https://ylci.org/resource-directory/
🔗 https://www.dana-farber.org/newsroom/news-releases/2022/sexual-dysfunction-high-among-women-with-lung-cancer

🤍 Young Lung Cancer Initiative | https://ylci.org

Add your photo to the Faces of YLC gallery: https://ylci.org/faces-of-ylc/
Instagram: https://instagram.com/younglungcancer
TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@younglungcancerisathing
Facebook: https://facebook.com/younglungcancer
LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/young-lung-cancer-initiative
Donate: https://ylci.org/donate/

Young Lung Cancer Initiative's work is made possible by the support of our Mission Support Partners: Johnson & Johnson, Nuvation Bio, and Boehringer Ingelheim.

YLCI retains full editorial control over all content, which is produced independently of our partners.

Medical disclaimer: All content on this channel is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The stories and information shared reflect individual experiences; every diagnosis, treatment plan, and outcome is different, and what you see here may not apply to your situation. Nothing on this channel is a substitute for professional diagnosis, treatment, or advice from your own medical team. Never disregard or delay seeking medical advice because of something you watched here. Always consult your oncologist or another qualified healthcare provider with any questions about your health or treatment.

Fertility Preservation & Lung Cancer: Part of Your Care, Not an Afterthought | Dr. Narjust Florez

Young Lung Cancer Initiative — Thu, 23 Jul 2026 18:56:49 GMT

A lung cancer diagnosis raises urgent questions about treatment. For young adults, it also raises ones that too often go unspoken: Can I still have children? Is it too late once treatment starts? And whose job is it to bring this up?

Host Leah Phillips sits down with Dr. Narjust Florez, thoracic oncologist and co-founder & co-director of the Young Lung Cancer Program at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, and Taryn Lipner, program administrator, for an honest conversation about fertility preservation and family building after a lung cancer diagnosis.

The core message: fertility is health care, and raising it is the oncology team's responsibility, not one more thing patients should have to remember. Dr. Florez breaks down why the belief that "if you didn't do it at the beginning, you can't do it later" is "very 2003," walks through the real options for men and women, and explains what's possible even when treatment can't wait.

In this episode:

Why fertility is part of cancer care, not an afterthought
Why starting the conversation is the care team's job, not the patient's
Fertility preservation options for men and women
What to do when treatment can't wait
How chemo, radiation, and immunotherapy affect fertility
Building a family beyond biology: adoption, surrogacy, donation
Navigating costs, insurance, and financial support

Chapters (verify against final edit):
00:00 Introduction
00:54 Whose responsibility it is to start the conversation
02:39 Fertility preservation options
05:54 Does fertility recover after treatment?
06:32 When treatment has to start right away
08:19 Advice for the newly diagnosed
10:14 Informational visits and the financial side
11:32 Family building beyond pregnancy
12:43 How treatments affect fertility
14:48 One message every young patient should hear

Follow Young Lung Cancer Initiative for more on fertility, intimacy, relationships, and life with lung cancer.

Subscribe on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts.

Disclaimer: This conversation is for educational purposes only. Always talk to a healthcare professional about your individual situation.

HER2 Lung Cancer Is Isolating. Until You Find Your People | Ep 3 of 3

Young Lung Cancer Initiative — Mon, 13 Jul 2026 21:41:12 GMT

When you're diagnosed with HER2 lung cancer, most people around you have never heard of it. In this final episode, Samantha and Loryn talk about what it meant to find each other and a community that actually understands. They cover where to find other HER2 patients, how social media opened doors that didn't exist before, what YLCI has meant to both of them, and why connection changes how you navigate this disease.
This is Part 3 of a 3-part conversation. Watch Parts 1 and 2 on our channel.

Thanks to Boehringer Ingelheim for sponsoring this series.

YLCI retains full editorial control.

Chapters:
00:00 The Importance of Community in Cancer Journeys
02:17 Finding HER2 Positive Lung Cancer Patients
04:11 The Role of Social Media in Advocacy
06:46 The Impact of Young Lung Cancer Initiative
08:58 Navigating Support Systems
11:44 Building Connections and Future Initiatives

This content is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions regarding a medical condition.

Two Women With HER2 Lung Cancer Share What No One Sees | Ep 2 of 3

Young Lung Cancer Initiative — Mon, 13 Jul 2026 21:39:01 GMT

Two women with HER2 driven lung cancer open up about what treatment, grief, and living with stage 4 really looks like from the inside. This is what people don't see.
Samantha and Loryn were both diagnosed with HER2 lung cancer in their 30s. In this episode they share what their treatment journeys actually looked like, why second opinions changed everything, how a stage 4 lung cancer diagnosis reshapes your identity and relationships, and what they're still grieving that the people around them never see.
HER2 mutated ung cancer affects roughly 2 to 4 percent of lung cancer patients. But the medical side is only part of the story. This conversation goes deeper into what it means to live with this diagnosis as a young person, a parent, a partner, and a patient who is still figuring out how to plan for a future that feels uncertain.
Topics covered in this episode:
What HER2 lung cancer treatment actually looks like, including traditional chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and when to consider switching
Why both Samantha and Loryn sought multiple opinions and how that shaped their care
How lung cancer changes your sense of identity when the things that defined you start to shift
The impact on careers, relationships, and the caregiver-patient dynamic
What it feels like to grieve your future while still being here
How to balance planning ahead with living in the present when you scan every few months

Thanks to Boehringer Ingelheim for sponsoring this series.

YLCI retains full editorial control.

Chapters:
00:00 Navigating the Journey of HER2 Lung Cancer
01:37 Treatment Experiences and Decisions
03:27 The Importance of Second Opinions
04:48 Advocating for Yourself in Treatment
06:41 Impact on Personal Identity
09:16 Changes in Relationships and Daily Life
12:22 Emotional Challenges of Cancer
16:22 Balancing Future Planning with Present Living

Two Women Thought They COULDN'T Get Lung Cancer. They Both Did| Ep 1 of 3

Young Lung Cancer Initiative — Thu, 09 Jul 2026 19:32:15 GMT

"I Googled it. It says poor prognosis. It put me in a really dark place." -Samantha
Samantha Murrell and Loryn Fadus are two young women living with HER2 mutated ung cancer. In this first conversation, they sit down with YLCI co-founder Leah Phillips to talk about the road to diagnosis- the missed windows, the misdiagnoses, the shock of hearing "stage four," and what they wish they had known from the start.

This is Part 1 of a three-part conversation. Parts 2 and 3 cover treatment decisions, living with HER2 lung cancer, and what community has meant to both of them.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction
00:53 Samantha's first symptoms
02:32 Hearing the diagnosis
03:42 Stage four and an initial prognosis
04:30 Discovering HER2 Exon 20 Mutation through biomarker testing
05:23 "I thought lung cancer was the one I couldn't get"
07:14 Loryn's symptoms and the path to diagnosis
13:44 Learning about HER2 and finding hope
15:02 What to tell your newly diagnosed self
16:02 Misunderstandings about oncogene driven lung cancer
18:32 What's coming in Part 2

This series is proudly sponsored by Boehringer Ingelheim. YLCI retains full editorial control of all content.

HER2 Lung Cancer Resistance and Emerging Research With Dr. Kyle Concannon | Ep. 3 of 3

Young Lung Cancer Initiative — Thu, 25 Jun 2026 17:57:02 GMT

In Part 3 of our HER2-driven lung cancer series, Leah Phillips and thoracic medical oncologist Dr. Kyle Concannon (UC Health, University of Colorado) tackle the harder questions. They get into what resistance actually means, the difference between on-target and off-target resistance, why a cancer can sometimes transform into a different type entirely, and the emerging research and combination approaches being studied for HER2 lung cancer patients.

This is a conversation many patients will eventually need to have. The research is moving fast and there is real reason for hope.

Thanks to Boehringer Ingelheim for supporting this series. YLCI retains full editorial control.

This content is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions regarding a medical condition.

HER2 Lung Cancer Treatment & Monitoring With Dr. Kyle Concannon | Ep. 2 of 3

Young Lung Cancer Initiative — Thu, 25 Jun 2026 17:54:59 GMT

Once you know you have HER2 lung cancer, what comes next? In Part 2 of our HER2-driven lung cancer series, Leah Phillips and thoracic medical oncologist Dr. Kyle Concannon (UC Health, University of Colorado) walk through what treatment actually looks like. They cover how first-line decisions are made for early versus advanced disease, where HER2-targeted therapies fit in, how doctors tell whether a treatment is working, what brain monitoring looks like, and what a progression conversation involves.

Whether you're newly diagnosed or supporting someone through treatment, this episode will help you walk into your next oncology appointment more prepared.

Thanks to Boehringer Ingelheim for supporting this series.

YLCI retains full editorial control.

What Is HER2 Lung Cancer? With Dr. Kyle Concannon | Ep. 1 of 3

Young Lung Cancer Initiative — Wed, 17 Jun 2026 02:03:42 GMT

In lung cancer, HER2 can mean different things.
In Part 1 of our HER2-driven lung cancer series, Leah Phillips sits down with thoracic medical oncologist Dr. Kyle Concannon (UC Health, University of Colorado) to cover the basics: what a HER2 alteration actually is, the difference between overexpression, amplification, and the exon 20 insertion mutation, why the type matters for treatment, and why next-generation sequencing at diagnosis is non-negotiable.
This is Part 1 of 3. Parts 2 and 3 cover treatment and monitoring, then resistance and emerging research.

About Dr. Kyle Concannon: Assistant Professor of Medicine-Medical Oncology at the University of Colorado and a thoracic medical oncologist at UCHealth University of Colorado Hospital. Trained as a physician-scientist at MD Anderson, his lab studies why oncogene-driven lung cancers (EGFR, HER2, ALK, ROS1) stop responding to therapy and how to overcome that resistance. He also co-hosts The @crackingcancer podcast
https://som.cuanschutz.edu/Profiles/Faculty/Profile/40545

This series is proudly sponsored by Boehringer Ingelheim.

This is educational content. Not medical advice. Always talk to your own care team about your specific situation.

Lung Cancer: Treatment Decisions, Second Opinions & Side Effect | Mayya's Lung Cancer Story | Pt 3/3

Young Lung Cancer Initiative — Sun, 07 Jun 2026 14:18:24 GMT

"We put out the fire. This is the last ember."
In Part 3, Mayya Grinberg breaks down how she secured a second opinion with one of the world's leading ALK+ specialists before she needed one, how she navigated the radiation decision, and what no one prepared her for when the side effects hit eight weeks later.
If you are navigating treatment decisions with a targetable mutation, this one is for you.

Chapters:
0:00 — Introduction
0:18 — Getting a second opinion before you need one
1:00 — Finding Dr. Alice Shaw at Mass General
3:51 — What the second opinion confirmed
4:19 — Surgery vs. radiation: how she decided
7:21 — Radiation Side Effects
9:40 — Pulmonary PT and recovery

Lung Cancer at 39: "Is It Better If They Don't Remember Me?" | Mayya's Story | Pt 2/3

Young Lung Cancer Initiative — Sun, 07 Jun 2026 14:16:39 GMT

I feel like I'm the tornado that happened to other people"

A cancer diagnosis doesn't just change your health.. it changes everything. In Part 2 of 3, Mayya opens up about what it meant to lose her identity as the high-achieving professional, the mom who had it all together. She talks about having to stop breastfeeding because of cancer medication, her mother selling the house she'd lived in for 30 years to move in and help, and the thought no parent should ever be forced to sit with: is it better if my kids don't remember me?

Chapters:
0:00 — Introduction
0:20 — The job opportunity of a lifetime, a new baby, and a diagnosis
1:44 — "I wasn't that corporate Barbie anymore"
3:24 — "I feel like I'm the tornado that happened to other people"
5:51 — The only time she felt human: breastfeeding her baby
6:41 — Having to stop breastfeeding because of cancer medication
9:35 — Family therapy and holding each other's hope

They Said 'It's Probably Nothing.' It Was Stage 4 Lung Cancer | Mayya's Lung Cancer Story | Pt 1/3

Young Lung Cancer Initiative — Sun, 07 Jun 2026 14:13:30 GMT

Mayya went to the doctor with a dry cough, fatigue, and no appetite. She was sent home with an inhaler. She had stage 4 lung cancer.
In this episode, she shares her path to a stage 4 lung diagnosis with host and lung cancer patient, Leah Philliups.

Chapters:
0:00 — Introduction
0:23 — First signs: pregnancy, appetite loss, and a cough that wouldn't quit
1:44 — Going to the doctor and not being believed
2:30 — "You don't need an x-ray" — and what she did next
3:10 — Urgent care, a chest x-ray, and a pneumonia misdiagnosis
4:37 — Mother's Day: the moment she knew she had to go back
6:35 — The doctor who actually listened: shoutout to Dr. Davidson
7:30 — PET scan results: lighting up like a Christmas tree
8:45 — Biopsy results and ALK fusion diagnosis
9:38 — Mayya's advice: you are not your doctor's pet

📢 Amplifying the Voices of Young-Onset Lung Cancer
YLCI is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to providing support, research, and advocacy for the young-onset community.
New here? Hit SUBSCRIBE to help us share these stories and ensure no young person faces this diagnosis alone.

💙 Learn More
🌐 Visit Our Website: https://ylci.org

⚠️ Disclaimer
This content is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions regarding a medical condition.

They Told Me "No" (How I got Surgery Anyway) : Jessie's EGFR Lung Cancer Story | Pt 3/3

Young Lung Cancer Initiative — Sun, 31 May 2026 20:03:59 GMT

"I completely deflated."
When Jessie was told she was "not a candidate" for surgery to remove her primary lung tumor (the "mothership"), she didn't just accept the answer. As a professional producer, she did what she does best: she assembled an "A-Team" of the world’s leading experts to find a path forward.
In this powerful conclusion to our three-part series, Jessie shares the "sobering conversations," the medical disagreements, and the path that eventually led her to a successful surgery.

⚠️ Disclaimer
This content is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions regarding a medical condition.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction
00:23 Assembling a Care Team
01:40 Navigating Treatment Options
05:17 The Role of Advocacy in Care
06:53 Hope for the Future of Lung Cancer Treatment

Thank you to Johnson & Johnson for supporting this series.

📢 Amplifying the Voices of Young-Onset Lung Cancer
Lung cancer is often caught late in young adults because "they're too young." At the Young Lung Cancer Initiative (YLCI), we are changing that narrative. We are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to providing support, research, and advocacy for the young-onset community.
New here? Hit SUBSCRIBE to help us share these stories and ensure no young person faces this diagnosis alone.

💙 Learn More
🌐 Visit Our Website: https://ylci.org/

📱 Connect With Us
Instagram— @younglungcancer

"Less cancer today than yesterday" - Jessie's Parenting Approach with EGFR Lung Cancer| Pt 2/3

Young Lung Cancer Initiative — Sun, 31 May 2026 19:57:45 GMT

"My five-year-old asked if he could watch a show now. My middle daughter wanted to know how this cancer was different from everyone else's."

In Part 2 of this 3-part series, Jessie and Leah go deeper into what it actually looks like to live with Stage 4 EGFR mutant non-small cell lung cancer. Jessie walks through how she told her three kids about her diagnosis. She and Leah discuss the caregiving burden that nobody talks about.

Chapters:
00:00 Introduction
00:47 Telling the Kids
02:30 Three Kids, Three Completely Different Reactions
04:15 Following Each Other's Lead: The Caregiver Experience
06:45 "A Picture of My Brain, Just to Make Sure It's Still Smiling"
07:30 Keeping the Conversation Evolving as Kids Get Older

Thank you to Johnson & Johnson for supporting this series.

⚠️ Disclaimer
This content is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions regarding a medical condition.

#lungcancer #patient #egfr

📢 Amplifying the Voices of Young-Onset Lung Cancer
Lung cancer is often caught late in young adults because "they're too young." At the Young Lung Cancer Initiative (YLCI), we are changing that narrative. We are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to providing support, research, and advocacy for the young-onset community.
New here? Hit SUBSCRIBE to help us share these stories and ensure no young person faces this diagnosis alone.

💙 Learn More
🌐 Visit Our Website: https://ylci.org/
📱 Connect With Us
Instagram— @younglungcancer

From Panic Attacks to Stage IV: Jessie's EGFR lung cancer story | Pt 1/3

Young Lung Cancer Initiative — Mon, 25 May 2026 18:53:37 GMT

Jessie was 42 when she was diagnosed with stage IV EGFR non-small cell lung cancer but her symptoms had been dismissed for nearly a year. Night sweats, panic attacks, a pneumonia that never fully resolved, and a cough that just wouldn't quit. It wasn't until November that a pulmonologist finally told her, "We should have given you a bronchoscopy yesterday."

What followed was five days that changed everything.

In this first episode, Jessie talks about the year of symptoms that almost got written off, the week of her diagnosis, what it felt like to collapse on the sidewalk not knowing if she'd see her kids grow up, and what happened when she finally found out her cancer was targetable.

This series is sponsored by Johnson & Johnson.

About Young Lung Cancer Initiative (YLCI). YLCI is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to the young-onset community. We provide support, research, and advocacy to ensure that no young person faces a lung cancer diagnosis alone.

Disclaimer:

This podcast is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions regarding a medical condition.

KRAS Lung Cancer- Hope & The Future of Treatments with Dr Fawzi Abu Rous | Pt 3/3

Young Lung Cancer Initiative — Fri, 22 May 2026 17:22:00 GMT

he future of KRAS lung cancer treatment is moving fast ..here is what patients need to know about resistance, clinical trials, and emerging therapies, with thoracic oncologist Dr. Fawzi Abu Rous

In the final part of the Young Lung Cancer Initiative KRAS Lung Cancer Biomarker Education Series, Dr. Fawzi Abu Rous of Henry Ford Cancer Institute walks us through the KRAS pipeline beyond G12C, how resistance develops on targeted therapy, and how patients can find clinical trials and stay informed over time.

If you or a loved one is living with KRASnon-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), this conversation is packed with practical next steps and a big dose of hope. KRAS is no longer undruggable.

This episode is proudly sponsored by Revolution Medicines.

About Young Lung Cancer Initiative (YLCI) The YLCI is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to the young-onset community. We provide support, research, and advocacy to ensure that no young person faces a lung cancer diagnosis alone.

Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions regarding a medical condition.

KRAS Lung Cancer Treatment & Monitoring with Dr Fawzi Abu Rous | Pt 2/3

Young Lung Cancer Initiative — Fri, 22 May 2026 17:18:09 GMT

In this episode, Dr. Fawzi Abu Rous provides a comprehensive overview of the treatment, monitoring, and progression of KRAS-driven lung cancer. The discussion covers the use of immunotherapy, targeted therapies, and the importance of clinical trials. Additionally, the role of monitoring and the emergence of new therapies are explored in detail.

Takeaways

KRAS Treatment Overview
Monitoring and Progression in KRAS-Positive Lung Cancer

Chapters

00:00 Treatment for KRAS-Driven Lung Cancer
05:49 Early Stage Treatment and Monitoring
15:37 Monitoring and Clinical Trials

This episode is proudly sponsored by Revolution Medicines.

KRAS Lung Cancer Explained: From "Undruggable" to Targetable with Dr. Fawzi Abu Rous | Pt 1/3

Young Lung Cancer Initiative — Thu, 14 May 2026 14:48:55 GMT

Mirrored EGFR template structure for KRAS podcast description

In the premiere of our KRAS Biomarker Series, we're joined by Dr. Fawzi Abu Rous, a renowned thoracic medical oncologist at Henry Ford Cancer Institute, to demystify the biology of a KRAS positive diagnosis.

For decades, KRAS was labeled "undruggable" the most common oncogenic driver in lung cancer, yet completely out of reach for targeted therapy. That changed when scientists discovered a hidden "pocket" on the G12C mutation, unlocking the first wave of KRAS inhibitors and rewriting what's possible for patients. Dr. Abu Rous walks us through how KRAS functions as a molecular "on/off switch" that gets jammed in the "on" position, why Comprehensive Biomarker Testing is non-negotiable, and what makes the KRAS landscape uniquely complex compared to other driver mutations.

In this episode, we discuss:

The "Jammed Switch": How a single amino acid swap flips KRAS into overdrive and drives uncontrolled cell growth.
From "Undruggable" to Targetable: The decades-long puzzle and the G12C breakthrough that cracked it open.
Reading the Genetic Address: Why G12C, G12D, G12V, and G13 mutations behave like different neighborhoods on the same street — and why each one matters.
The Biomarker Testing Imperative: Why a complete molecular workup, not a partial panel, determines the path forward.
Beyond the Stereotypes: Debunking assumptions about who gets KRAS-driven lung cancer and why young, never-smokers belong in this conversation too.

This episode is proudly sponsored by Revolution Medicines.

Beyond EGFR Lung Cancer Basics: Resistance, LMD & What's Next with Dr. Eric Singhi | Pt 3/3

Young Lung Cancer Initiative — Sat, 25 Apr 2026 19:06:45 GMT

In the final episode of our three-part EGFR Biomarker Series, Leah Phillips of Young Lung Cancer Initiative sits down with Dr. Eric Singhi of MD Anderson Cancer Center to go beyond the basics into the topics EGFR patients ask about most.

This conversation covers small cell transformation, leptomeningeal disease (LMD), resistance mechanisms, the role of co-mutations like TP53 and RB1, and the emerging research and clinical trials shaping the future of EGFR driven lung cancer care.

Whether you've just been diagnosed or you've been living with EGFR lung cancer for years, this episode is a reminder that knowledge is power, advocacy matters, and there is real hope in this space.

Listen to Part 1 (EGFR 101) and Part 2 (Treating & Managing EGFR Lung Cancer) wherever you get your podcasts.

This series is sponsored by Johnson & Johnson. Sponsorship does not influence content. Young Lung Cancer Initiative maintains full editorial control over all educational material and patient stories.

Treating & Managing EGFR Lung Cancer: Brain MRIs, Progression & Sequencing with Dr. Singhi | Pt 2/3

Young Lung Cancer Initiative — Thu, 23 Apr 2026 18:41:39 GMT

How is EGFR driven lung cancer actually treated and monitored? In Episode 2 of the YLCI EGFR Education Biomarker Series, co-founder Leah Phillips sits down with thoracic oncologist Dr. Eric Singhi of MD Anderson to talk through early-stage treatment, adjuvant TKIs, brain MRI surveillance, oligo versus poly progression, and his "chess, not checkers" approach to long-term sequencing. Sponsored by Johnson & Johnson.

What is EGFR Lung Cancer? Understanding Biomarkers & Precision Medicine with Dr. Singhi | Pt 1/3

Young Lung Cancer Initiative — Wed, 08 Apr 2026 16:39:45 GMT

In the premiere of our EGFR Biomarker Series, we’re joined by Dr. Eric Singhi, a renowned thoracic oncologist at MD Anderson Cancer Center, to demystify the biology of an EGFR positive diagnosis.

Lung cancer treatment has evolved into the "poster child" for precision medicine, but getting the right treatment starts with one critical step: Comprehensive Biomarker Testing. Dr. Singhi explains why this testing is the "gold standard" of care and uses the analogy of a "stuck switch" to describe how EGFR mutations drive uncontrolled cell growth. We also debunk common myths about who gets lung cancer and why your "street address" matters.

In this episode, we discuss:

The "Stuck Switch": A simple breakdown of EGFR biology.
The Precision Medicine Revolution: Why EGFR requires a different approach than traditional chemo or immunotherapy.
Tissue vs. Liquid Biopsy: How the "team effort" between blood and tissue samples ensures no mutation is missed.
Finding Your "Street Address": Understanding the differences between Exon 19 deletions, L858R, and Exon 20 insertions.
The Changing Outlook: Moving from a "months" mindset to living for years with targeted therapy.

This episode is proudly sponsored by Johnson & Johnson.

About Young Lung Cancer Initiative (YLCI)

The YLCI is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to the young-onset community. We provide support, research, and advocacy to ensure that no young person faces a lung cancer diagnosis alone.

Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions regarding a medical condition.

Scanxiety, Loss & the Emotional Reality of Living with Stage 4 Lung Cancer | Jamie's Story pt 3

Young Lung Cancer Initiative — Tue, 07 Apr 2026 18:14:39 GMT

his episode is dedicated to Chad Dunbar, Elizabeth Campbell Moir, & all of those we have lost.

"I lost one of my nearest and dearest. Same age. Same cancer. Same mutation."

In this third and final episode of Jamie's story, Jamie and Leah have one of the most honest and raw conversations you'll find anywhere about what it really means to live with a metastatic cancer diagnosis. Jamie, living with RET positive lung cancer, and Leah, living with stage 4 EGFR lung cancer, open up about the part of this journey nobody prepares you for. The grief of losing close friends within the cancer community. The unique pain of watching someone with a similar diagnosis pass away. And what it feels like to carry that loss while still navigating your own disease.

This isn't a doctor talking at a patient. This is two women who truly understand each other in a way that only people living with a life limiting disease can... sharing their grief, their fear, their scanxiety, and ultimately their hope.

Chapters
00:00 Navigating Life After Diagnosis
02:08 Shifting Priorities and Values
05:10 Living in 90-Day Increments
07:52 Coping with Scanxiety
10:19 The Emotional Toll of Loss
12:47 The Uncertainty of Cancer
18:03 Finding Meaning in Connections

📢 Amplifying the Voices of Young-Onset Lung Cancer
Lung cancer is often caught late in young adults because "they're too young." At the Young Lung Cancer Initiative (YLCI), we are changing that narrative. We are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to providing support, research, and advocacy for the young-onset community.
New here? Hit SUBSCRIBE to help us share these stories and ensure no young person faces this diagnosis alone.

You Can Look Healthy and Still Have Stage 4 Cancer | Jamie's Story pt 2

Young Lung Cancer Initiative — Tue, 07 Apr 2026 18:07:29 GMT

While often intended as a compliment, Jamie explains why this phrase is actually one of the hardest things for a patient to hear. It can feel dismissive, invalidating the daily side effects, the mental toll, and the incurable reality of her diagnosis. It creates a gap between how the world sees her and how she actually feels. As host and patient states, "the most unhealthy healthy person you’ve ever met."

This is a struggle experienced by so many in the lung cancer community and the chronic illness community at large. Jamie shares how she’s moved past the frustration to use these moments for patient advocacy, educating others on the fact that Stage 4 doesn't always have a "look."

In this video, we discuss:

The Identity Crisis: Losing your career and athletic "old self" overnight.

Invisible Illness: Navigating the disconnect between looking healthy and being terminal.

The Power of Advocacy: Turning a "dismissive" comment into a moment for education.

Living in the Moment: Why "later" is no longer an option.

Chapters
00:00 Redefining Identity After Diagnosis
04:06 Living in the Moment: A New Perspective
07:50 The Daily Struggle: Perceptions vs. Reality
11:35 Maintaining Control: The Fight for Normalcy

#cancer #illness #lungcancer #stage4

I Never Smoked & Ran Every Day. Then I was Diagnosed with Stage 4 Lung Cancer | Jamie's Story pt 1

Young Lung Cancer Initiative — Wed, 01 Apr 2026 19:37:31 GMT

“I was mid-set at the gym when my doctor called.”

Jamie did everything “right.” She never smoked, ate healthy, and ran every day. In this first installment of Patient Conversations with Leah, Jamie shares the moment her world flipped: receiving a Stage 4 lung cancer diagnosis via her Apple Watch while working out.

After being told her cancer was Stage 1, Jamie quickly learned how fast "clear" scans can change. She joins us to discuss the "irony" of a fitness-focused life meeting a terminal diagnosis and the medical steps that ultimately saved her life.

In this episode:

The "Irony" of Diagnosis: Getting the call while at the gym.
Trusting Your Gut: Why your intuition is your best diagnostic tool.
The Life-Saver: How a second opinion and biomarker testing changed everything.
RET Positive: Navigating a specific, rare lung cancer mutation.

Help us change the narrative: Follow/Subscribe to help us ensure no young person faces this diagnosis alone. Learn more: ylci.org

Connect with YLCI: Instagram: @younglungcancer

Timestamps

00:00 – The Shock of Diagnosis

04:45 – Navigating the Impact on Family

06:46 – Staging, Treatment, and Rapid Changes

11:47 – Second Opinions & RET Positive Lung Cancer

16:42 – Finding Your Voice in Cancer Care

> Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always seek the advice of a qualified health provider with any questions regarding a medical condition.

Self Advocacy: Turning Biomarker Results into Personalized Care (Part 3)

Young Lung Cancer Initiative — Sun, 15 Mar 2026 19:14:20 GMT

In the final installment of the Young Lung Cancer Initiative’s Biomarker Educational Series, Leah Phillips, Dr. Ben Creelan, and Dr. Jhanelle Gray (Moffitt Cancer Center) discuss how patients and caregivers can turn biomarker data into a powerful tool for advocacy. This episode provides a roadmap for navigating the healthcare system.

This episode is sponsored by Nuvation Bio.

Chapters:
00:00 Empowering Patients Through Biomarker Testing
01:24 Navigating Insurance and Financial Concerns
04:26 Key Questions for Patients Post-Biomarker Testing
06:42 Essential Takeaways for Lung Cancer Patients
09:29 Advocating for Comprehensive Care
12:17 Organizing Medical Information for Better Care

Biomarker Testing in Lung Cancer Treatment, Monitoring Progression & Managing Resistance (part 2)

Young Lung Cancer Initiative — Tue, 03 Mar 2026 04:32:58 GMT

In Part 2 of this series, Leah Phillips continues her conversation with Dr. Ben Creelan and Dr. Jhanelle Gray from Moffitt Cancer Center. This episode transitions from the basics of diagnosis to the practical application of biomarker testing throughout the entire patient journey.

Our experts discuss how molecular profiles determine the choice between oral targeted therapies (TKIs) and traditional chemotherapy, and the impact of these options on patient quality of life.

00:00 Introduction to Biomarker Testing in Lung Cancer
02:13 The Role of Biomarkers in Treatment Decisions
05:07 Understanding Repeat Biomarker Testing
07:20 Managing Resistance Mutations and Treatment Adjustments
10:10 The Importance of Clinical Trials
12:38 Advancements in Targeted Therapies
15:22 The Future of Biomarker Testing and Patient Empowerment

This episode is proudly sponsored by Nuvation Bio

Lung Cancer Biomarker Testing Explained (Part 1)

Young Lung Cancer Initiative — Wed, 25 Feb 2026 22:48:37 GMT

Learn what biomarker testing is and why it matters before starting treatment in lung cancer.

In Part 1 of the Young Lung Cancer Initiative Biomarker Education Series, Dr. Ben Creelan and Dr. Jhanelle Gray from Moffitt Cancer Center break down the basics of biomarker testing in plain language.

This episode is sponsored by Nuvation Bio.

Beyond the Basics: The ROS1 Lung Cancer Pipeline & Living Fully with Dr. Rodriguez

Young Lung Cancer Initiative — Fri, 20 Feb 2026 19:08:04 GMT

Learn about the future of the ROS1 treatment landscape and the reality of long-term survivorship with thoracic oncologist Dr. Estelamari Rodriguez.

This episode is sponsored by Nuvation Bio.

In Part 3 of the Young Lung Cancer Initiative ROS1 Biomarker Series, we conclude our deep dive into life with ROS1 with Dr. Estelamari Rodriguez, a thoracic oncologist at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center at the University of Miami.

This educational video explores what is on the horizon for ROS1 positive lung cancer, focusing on the research pipeline and next-generation clinical trials.

The conversation shifts to the personal side of the journey, offering insights on how to balance rigorous treatment with a full life.

Navigating ROS1 Lung Cancer: Understanding Treatments and Side Effects With Dr. Rodriguez pt2

Young Lung Cancer Initiative — Fri, 20 Feb 2026 01:40:28 GMT

Learn about the ROS1 treatment landscape and managing treatment side effects with thoracic oncologist Dr. Estelamari Rodriguez.

This episode is sponsored by Nuvation Bio.

In Part 2 of the Young Lung Cancer Initiative ROS1 Biomarker Series, we dive into the "meat and potatoes" of treatment with Dr. Estelamari Rodriguez, a thoracic oncologist at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center at the University of Miami.

This educational video explores the current standard of care for ROS1 positive lung cancer, from early-stage management to metastatic disease. Dr. Rodriguez discusses the evolution of targeted therapies—including next-generation tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) and explains how these newer drugs are moving the needle for patients with brain metastases.

The conversation provides practical suggestions on navigating common ROS1 TKI side effects, such as dizziness (CNS effects), taste changes, and GI issues. Dr. Rodriguez emphasizes why open communication with your care team about dose adjustments and "drug holds" is vital for maintaining a high quality of life while staying on treatment longer.

Coming Up Next: In Part 3, we will conclude the series by discussing the reality of "Living with ROS1," including progression, long-term survivorship, and the future of research.

What is ROS1 Lung Cancer? The Basics Explained With Dr. Rodriguez

Young Lung Cancer Initiative — Fri, 20 Feb 2026 00:35:59 GMT

Learn the fundamentals of ROS1 positive lung cancer, biomarker testing, and brain metastasis with thoracic oncologist Dr. Estelamari Rodriguez.

This episode is sponsored by Nuvation Bio.

In Part 1 of the Young Lung Cancer Initiative ROS1 Biomarker Series, we introduce the fundamentals of ROS1 positive lung cancer with Dr. Estelamari Rodriguez, a thoracic oncologist at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center at the University of Miami.

This educational video explains what the ROS1 biomarker is, how ROS1 gene fusions occur, and how often ROS1 is found in non small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Dr. Rodriguez discusses why comprehensive biomarker testing, including molecular and genomic testing at diagnosis, is essential for identifying ROS1 positive lung cancer and guiding treatment decisions.

The conversation also addresses central nervous system (CNS) involvement, including how often brain metastases are present at diagnosis in ROS1 positive lung cancer, and why brain imaging is an important part of initial staging and evaluation.

This episode is designed for patients, caregivers, and advocates seeking patient friendly cancer education about lung cancer biomarkers. It serves as the foundation for the ROS1 Biomarker Series. Future episodes will cover ROS1 targeted therapy, tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), treatment side effects, and emerging research for people living with ROS1 positive lung cancer.