"Support is having people around to talk to. Going to counselling and for a walk looking at nature." - Samantha

I'm Samantha, in my late 40s from Ireland. I have 4 beautiful children and I am married, living with EGFR mutation. I love chatting to people, walking, and running. I am an area manager and I love my job. I try to stay positive and enjoy time socialising with family and friends.

I was diagnosed in 2023 with stage 2 EGFR+ lung cancer after experiencing shortness of breath and hoarseness. Now I'm trying to get back to a new normal, learning to navigate the new body and new person I've become. Saying goodbye to the old part of me was hard. I know I can't do things I've done before, but I can try my best to do them another way.

Family and friends who never left my side have been my lifeline during this journey. My husband and children are who I am staying positive for - to show I am strong and can beat cancer. I've found tremendous value in counselling and journalling as I try to come to terms with the new me.

Mindfulness, walking, and chatting to family and friends help me cope day to day. I've been researching and reaching out to others with lung cancer, sharing my story to help others. Breathing exercises and music also bring me comfort. These practices help me find calm alongside my medical treatment as I navigate this journey of accepting and adapting to who I am now.