Living with Lung Cancer During COVID-19

Tiffany Fagnani, Lung Cancer Survivor

A few weeks ago, I was supposed to be in Ocean City, MD to celebrate my three year cancerversary. This was a pretty big milestone for me, particularly because when I was diagnosed with lung cancer in 2017 my oncology told me I had six months to live. Instead of traveling to the beach to celebrate, though, I spent the day home alone.

Though this wasn’t how I had hoped to spend the day, it was the only thing I could do. That’s because I am living with lung cancer during a public health crisis. As a lung cancer survivor, I am more susceptible to COVID-19, a respiratory disease, than most people. Because of this, since the pandemic began, I can’t really do much anymore.

I don’t go out, I don’t go out to restaurants, and I don’t go on vacation. I am a very social person, and I don’t like being a hermit. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, I did yoga regularly, I went out with friends, I went shopping, and I traveled. This year, I haven’t done any of that.

It’s frightening to live with lung cancer during a pandemic like this. I worry about what will happen if I catch the virus. I worry about if other people are going to take the necessary precautions to keep themselves and others safe. I miss being able to go out and not have to worry about if someone is infected. I miss normalcy of being able to run errand without stress and anxiety.

A couple of weeks ago, I needed stamps. My local grocery store, which is directly across the street from where I live, has them. I put on my mask and drove there, but saw there were at least 40 cars in the parking lot. Seeing that, I knew I couldn’t go in and risk the possible exposure. I drove home without going in and without my stamps.

While this might seem overly cautious to some, this is very standard for a lung cancer survivor. As lung cancer survivor, we want to take extra precautions because we know how precious life is. We aren’t trying to be anti-social and we’d love to go out, but we need to protect ourselves.

As patients, we also need to visit doctors and hospitals more than someone might want to during a health pandemic. Luckily, my cancer center has maintained COVID-free status. Still, there are extra precautions I take before seeing my ocnologist in person. I wash my hands as soon as I arrive. I make sure I avoid touching handles and door knobs as much as possible. If I need to eat lunch at the center, I make sure I eat outside rather than in the cafeteria. If I have extra time between appointments, I take a walk through the gardens rather than waiting in the waiting room.

I have done a couple of telemedicine appointments as well. Personally, I don’t prefer it to an in-person appointment. Sometimes, it feels like it takes me longer to connect to call than it does for doctor to talk to me on call.

While this might seem like all negatives, the pandemic did bring some nice moments, though. I have always loved to cook, and lately have had a lot more time to do so. Since the pandemic began, I have mostly received groceries through delivery or pickup. Though I make a list of requests, there have been a lot of times that I didn’t receive everything I asked for. Because of this, I’ve had to invent a lot of new recipes and found a few surprises that I really enjoy to make.

I have also participated in a lot of Zoom meetups. It has been amazing to connect with other lung cancer patients who know exactly what I’m going through during this time. We’re able to commiserate about our experiences and just generally socialize. I definitely encourage you to check out LUNGevity’s Virtual Meetups if you are looking to connect with other lung cancer patients and survivors.

I was also recently able to meet up with some friends in person. My friends have been adhering to the social distancing guidelines, and I felt comfortable meeting up with them outside. We sat outside their home for several hours and caught up. I recommend for anyone feeling lonely or down to find friends like these who have been responsible and are taking the crisis as seriously as you are and finding ways to safely meet up. It makes all the difference.
My advice for other lung cancer survivors living during this pandemic is to enjoy the little things. Find your circle of people who are keeping healthy and safe and try to spend time with them safely. I recommend avoiding the news if you can; it’s important to stay informed, but avoid the media hype-up.

I look forward to a time when I don’t have to worry so much. I am hopeful for a vaccine. For now, I try to focus on what I can control. I continue to enjoy my experimental recipes, I look forward to seeing friend safely, and I hope for more small joys like that in the months to come.

 

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Tiffany Fagnani is a registered nurse case manager who works with medically complex patients.  She shares her story to be an empathetic ear to her patients.  She was diagnosed with Stage IV Lung Cancer in the ED after having a seizure.  The following year after her diagnosis she was the guest speaker for her areas Breathe Deep even sponsored by LUNGevity.  Tiffany enjoys spending time with her brother who she was primary caregiver to prior to her diagnosis, travelling, yoga, and spending time with friends.

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