I'm Not Done Yet: September Warrior ~ Laura Kutzera-Gaarder

Meet Laura who is currently battling brain and lung cancer. A wife, a mother and a hero to many. It was in late April 2018 that my life changed forever. I was diagnosed with Non-Small Cell Adenocarcinoma of the left lung. Also known as Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) with an EGFR mutation. That mutation, and the pet scan which showed my cancer had already spread to stage 4, helped direct the course of my treatment.
First came Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS). Then we started on 6 weeks of radiation therapy to my chest and lungs. After that was complete, I began taking an oral medication called Tagrisso that targets the EGFR mutation. That remained effective for about 15months before the disease progressed to my left adrenal gland and more lesions appeared in my brain.
"Being a WARRIOR means being vulnerable, letting your guard down on those dark and scary days we each have and allowing your tribe to lift you up with their strength, resilience, and faith. I am fortunate that the people in my tribe all have warrior spirits. In the midst of another poor result, new diagnosis, or just plain old worry, my tribe makes sure I rise up by surrounding me, protecting me and fighting alongside me as we blaze new trails through this rugged terrain."
Laura Kutzera-Gaarder