The Life-Changing CT Scan That Found My Lung Cancer - Heidi | Lung Cancer | The Patient Story

Video Description

Heidi Onda, a lifelong health educator, fitness trainer, and proud grandmother, shares her unexpected journey with stage 3 lung cancer. Diagnosed in October 2018 at age 55, Heidi had no symptoms and lived an active, healthy lifestyle. Her story begins with a routine CT scan that revealed a shocking diagnosis and led to a whirlwind of chemo, radiation, and groundbreaking immunotherapy. In this cancer vlog, Heidi recounts the emotional rollercoaster of her diagnosis, and focuses on why she and her husband started the non-profit The White Ribbon Project: "Anyone with lungs can get lung cancer, and no one deserves it. We have heard many times people use a very, what seems to be a harmless term for changing the face of lung cancer. People with a smoking history." She talks about her friend, Bonnie, who had a smoking history, and what she represented: "Bonnie was an amazing wife, mother, grandmother, paralegal, and one of the most generous people of the heart that I have ever met in my life. Going through her adversity, she would still open her home to others, be there for them, be there for me. I was her buddy to guide her, and it was just amazing. That mission of changing public perception is very important, and we are getting there. We are getting more people. Sadly, Bonnie passed away in May 2022, devastating all of us. A community of lung cancer survivors who had looked to her as, wow, this woman has a tobacco history, and she is not afraid to tell her story and to get people to see who she was, not what she did. We will always honor that mission." Thank you, Heidi, for sharing your story to help others. Read Heidi's Story Here: https://thepatientstory.com/patient-stories/lung-cancer/non-small-cell/heidi-n/ #cancerpatient #cancersurvivor #patientstories #thepatientstory #cancertreatment #cancerprevention #cancersymptoms The Patient Story: The Patient Story is led by a dedicated team of medical, editorial, and video experts, committed to authentically portraying the cancer patient experience. Sharing your story holds transformative power, culturally and personally. We handle each narrative with utmost care, compassion, and scientific rigor. Our editorial process adheres to the highest journalistic standards, ensuring medically researched, vetted, and fact-checked content. Backed by experienced medical professionals, we offer insights into the latest medical advancements. Beyond patient narratives, we provide comprehensive coverage of cancer news and medical resources. From symptoms to clinical trials, insurance, finances, and support groups, we offer guidance in a humanized manner. Chapters: 0:00 Meet Heidi 1:40 The Devastating News – Inoperable and Late Stage 2:50 Breaking the Stigma – Growing Up Around Smokers 4:02 A Teachable Moment – Learning and Educating About Lung Cancer 5:26 Advocating for Screening – Raising Awareness About Early Detection 6:37 Processing the Diagnosis – Facing Late-Stage Cancer 7:09 Immunotherapy Saves Lives – A Life-Changing Treatment 9:20 Becoming an Advocate – Finding Her Voice 10:28 The White Ribbon Project – A Movement is Born 14:06 A Silent Heart Attack – Recognizing Symptoms in Women 17:16 Advocating for Survivors – Raising Awareness Among Oncologists 19:48 A Privileged Journey – Finding Purpose in Advocacy 20:19 The Movement – Joining the Fight for Lung Cancer Awareness Join Our Community: Sign up for our FREE website: https://thepatientstory.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thepatientstory Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thepatientstory/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/Patient_Story TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@patientstory The Life-Changing CT Scan That Found My Lung Cancer - Heidi | Lung Cancer | The Patient Story https://youtu.be/cIgezybQtf8 Thank you to The White Ribbon Project for their partnership. Thank you to Johnson & Johnson for its support of our patient story. The Patient Story retains full editorial control over all content.