Heather Croft, from Stockton-on-Tees, is a retired police officer, wife, mother and grandmother who is living with incurable but treatable lung cancer.
Her diagnosis left Heather and her family utterly speechless. However, nearly three years on, she is living well with lung cancer thanks to targeted therapy and even completed the Great North Run this year.
“When I received my diagnosis, I was told that although incurable, I did have options and one of the first things they needed to do was test for genetic mutations.
Those few weeks waiting for results of the tests were the longest few weeks of my life. Targeted therapy seemed like the best option, but there was only a 15% chance of having one of the four treatable mutations at the time.
The results came through after about a month – three calls, three negative tests and then the final call that my last mutation test was positive – I had a targetable EGFR mutation. I was elated.
A week later I started Afatinib 40mg (one tablet a day), and this tablet has miraculously kept my cancer sleeping for nearly three years now.
Side effects
The side effects can be brutal, it seems to dry everything from the inside to out! I have nail infections, dry brittle unruly hair and eyelashes, diarrhoea, skin rashes, water infections and tiredness. However, I have become an expert in battling these side effects and refuse to let them stop me enjoying my life.
I am stable and riding this train for as long as I can!
To help cope with these side effects of treatment, I make sure I do lots of exercise, whether it be the gym, walking or even doing some stretching exercises at home. It depends on how I’m feeling. Being in the outdoors or up early for the gym makes me feel less lethargic somehow, and I really believe the endorphins greatly assist and make me feel calmer.
Living with this diagnosis has taught me to take notice of the little things more, whether it be spending quality time with my kids and grandkids or watching the birds in the garden. I look after my grandchildren a few days a week and go to the gym as normal. Trying to make the most of every day, making sure I book treats in my diary to look forward to, be it a holiday, a special meal or just a few days away with my friends or family.
I utilise Facebook groups to ask others for assistance and my lung cancer nurse specialists have helped me find the right creams and tablets to keep my symptoms under control.
If you are reading this and are dealing with side effects of treatment, don’t be afraid to ask for help. I have found that I should ask for help more if I’m struggling. Contact your lung cancer nurse, or the Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation Ask the Nurse helpline.
I try to be my own advocate and be aware of potential new treatments and options, but I don’t like to dwell on my future health too much. I concentrate on the present and the many precious and positive things in my life.
I know my treatment will eventually stop working and my health may deteriorate quickly.
In the meantime, I have been fortunate to experience some wonderful milestones. Including the arrival of my second grandchild, my eldest daughter’s wedding, and memorable trips to New York and Florida.
The Great North Run
When I was first diagnosed, my eldest daughter, Lori, decided to raise funds and awareness by entering the Great North Run. Later, when I felt fit enough, I decided to join her.
Although I had completed the run before, this time felt particularly special. More than two years into my cancer journey, I felt incredibly fortunate to be well enough to take part. It also gave me the chance to share the experience with Lori and spend precious time together while training for the race.
We chose to support Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation after attending one of its local Information Days. It helped both me and my family gain a much better understanding of lung cancer. We also value the charity’s work in providing support and guidance, while funding vital research into the disease.
My friends and colleagues have also raised an incredible amount for Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation on my behalf. Cleveland Police and NERSOU raised £2,463 through a sponsored walk, bake sales and raffles.
My friend Kath Lee has supported me since I was first diagnosed in 2019. In May this year, she completed the 196-mile Yorkshire Coast to Coast, raising an amazing £3,681.