Sherri Eccleston’s lung cancer journey began with an unexpected fall before a Dead and Company concert in August 2021. What seemed like a simple accident led to a CT scan that revealed a growing spot on her lung, previously undetected.
Initially diagnosed with Stage 1 non-small cell lung cancer, Sherri underwent a lobectomy. However, a year later, she faced a devastating Stage 4 diagnosis. Her oncologist’s discovery of a KRAS mutation in her tumor opened the door to targeted therapy, marking a turning point in her treatment.
After months of debilitating illness and chemotherapy, Sherri started a targeted oral therapy in March. The results were remarkable: within weeks, her mobility improved significantly, and subsequent scans showed a “near complete resolution” of disease.
Today, Sherri remains stable, undergoing regular scans. She credits her survival to a combination of factors: her dog Hudson’s intuition, the concert fall that led to her initial diagnosis, and the advances in lung cancer research that made her targeted treatment possible.
As a member of LCFA’s Speaker’s Bureau, Sherri is passionate about sharing her story to raise awareness about lung cancer, emphasize the importance of early detection, and advocate for continued research into targeted therapies. Her journey from an accidental fall to cancer survivor and advocate underscores the unpredictable nature of lung cancer diagnosis and the hope offered by modern treatment approaches.
Sherri’s experience highlights key issues in lung cancer awareness:
- The importance of following up on unexpected medical findings
- The rapid progression possible in lung cancer cases
- The value of genetic testing in determining treatment options
- The life-changing potential of targeted therapies
- The ongoing need for lung cancer research and funding
Available for interviews, speaking engagements, and patient advocacy events, Sherri offers a unique perspective on the lung cancer journey, from diagnosis through treatment to survivorship.
