Telling loved ones about a lung cancer diagnosis can feel harder than hearing the news yourself. For parents, that moment can be even more overwhelming.
As part of our Mother’s Day series, patient ambassador Jules Fielder shares her stage 4 lung cancer diagnosis story. She reflects on life as a mum and how she has stayed positive for her son, Toby.
“When I received my diagnosis, I immediately thought my time with my son would be short. Toby is nearly 14, and I worried I would miss so many important milestones.
“Telling him I had incurable lung cancer was heartbreaking. But we have always been honest with each other, so I knew I had to tell him the truth.
“He has seen the difficult moments. He has seen me struggle with treatment side effects. But together, we focus on the positives. He inspires me to stay strong. He is also one of the reasons I became a lung cancer advocate.
“By sharing my experience and trying to improve things for others, I hope I can show Toby strength and resilience. I believe those are essential qualities for young people.
“We both found comfort in reading real-life stories on the Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation website. It offers practical advice and positive support. It helps not just me, but my whole family.
“As mums, we try to protect our children from life’s hardest moments. I never expected to face incurable lung cancer, but this is my reality. I can choose how I face it, and I choose positivity.
“Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation has given me a platform to share my story. I hope others can learn from my experience. If I can help even one person, it means everything. I also hope it shows Toby how to turn a negative into a positive.
How would I describe our relationship in three words? Absolutely bloody awesome!
“This Mother’s Day, I’m looking forward to a big hug from Toby. That’s all I need. I don’t need reassurance. I know how proud he is of me. That feeling drives me to live as well as I can and show him that nothing should stop you from living your life.
“I’m looking forward to our future together. I want to travel and make as many memories as possible. Toby always tells me my ‘magic medicine’ will work forever. I truly hope he’s right.”