Guests/Speakers
Lysa Buonanno, Lung Cancer Patient/Advocate
Dr. David Carbone, Thoracic Oncologist at The Ohio State University
Kim Norris, LCFA Co-founder
In this foundational episode of LCFA’s Hope With Answers: Living With Lung Cancer podcast, lung cancer survivor Lysa Buonanno shares critical insights about navigating a lung cancer diagnosis. Her journey, which began at age 40 with persistent back pain, highlights the importance of comprehensive testing and informed decision-making in lung cancer treatment.
Lysa emphasizes the crucial role of biomarker testing – a process that identifies specific markers within tumor tissue that drive cancer growth. Her own experience underscores this point: it wasn’t until 18 months after her initial diagnosis, when she switched to a thoracic oncologist, that biomarker testing revealed she was ROS1-positive, opening up new stage 4 lung cancer treatment options.
The episode then features Dr. David Carbone discussing the value of seeking second opinions in lung cancer care, offering his perspective as a leading thoracic oncologist. Kim Norris shares insights about helping patients access optimal treatments and navigating the healthcare system.
Today, more than 12 years after her initial diagnosis, Lysa continues to live with lung cancer. Her story, along with the expert perspectives from Dr. Carbone and Kim Norris, illustrates both the challenges of living with lung cancer and the hope offered by advancing research and treatment options. This episode remains relevant today, offering essential guidance for patients and families while highlighting LCFA’s vital role in supporting research for new treatment options.
