Mary Edith has always been energetic and active, balancing a demanding job, family and friends. When her daily routine was stalled by perpetual fatigue and breathing problems, she knew something was wrong. Over the next few months, Mary Edith would consult with several specialists and undergo multiple diagnostic tests, including a lung biopsy. Having never been a smoker, she was in disbelief when the results revealed stage 4, non-operable lung cancer. Mary Edith asked her local oncologist, "So what does this mean? Is this going to kill me?" "Most likely," he replied. Unwilling to accept this, Mary Edith insisted that he consult with other physicians. In the meantime, she did her own research. "When you're diagnosed with something like this, you feel like somebody has taken control of your body, your life. The way you get it back is with research…knowledge is power!"
Hear Mary Edith in her own words
After undergoing a round of chemotherapy, Mary Edith and her local oncologist consulted with an oncologist at Moffitt to discuss all of her options. This would require her to travel between her local oncologist and Moffitt. Together they developed a treatment plan of combination chemotherapy. The plan was so successful that after the second round, surgery was deemed an option. When Mary Edith had an appointment at Moffitt, she would call one of her friends; they would pack their bags and make a weekend out of it. "It was important to make an adventure out of a hardship." Mary Edith remained determined and focused on the future throughout her treatment. "Negative attitude is a disease of its own, don't give into it, just fight it all the way like it is the worst enemy you've ever had…you can't give up!"
While Mary Edith did not directly participate in a clinical trial, she recognizes the important role that research plays in providing the options available to her now and in the future. "My circumstances did not fit any of the current clinical trials, but if the cancer came back and they said now we have a clinical trial, I'd do it absolutely…no hesitation. That is the way they learn and we are the only people who can do it for them, patients have to be a part of the process. It is vital to make progress toward the end of cancer. One day they'll get there and if you can be a part of that, why not!"
Mary Edith viewed her cancer as a journey that would take her to new places and bring about a new awareness. Mary Edith has her energy back and is ready to embrace the road ahead. She has recently retired and is already mapping out her travel itinerary. "My life is taking all kinds of new turns; I'm moving on to new chapters and I'm ready for it!"
Hear Mary Edith in her own words
<< previous story | next story >>
