Ru initially dismissed her mild, occasional cough, assuming it was nothing serious since she was otherwise healthy and had no other symptoms. However, when she brought it up to her doctor, she was sent for x-rays of her lungs. After months of tests and waiting, Ru learned that the 3.5 cm tumour on her left lung was cancer.
After a bronchoscopy and biopsy, Ru’s official diagnosis was stage 1 adenocarcinoma, the most common type of lung cancer.
Finding comfort in trusted information
The diagnosis shocked her. Like many people facing the start of their cancer experience, Ru did not know where to turn. Soon after her diagnosis, she learned about the Canadian Cancer Society’s Cancer Information Helpline. At a time when she had more questions than answers, it was a trusted source of information and support.
“Just knowing that there was a place that could provide all kinds of information was really comforting,” says Ru. “Otherwise, you're Googling, you're all over the place. Here was one place that I could go, that I could call, and they could give me all the relevant information. That was hugely comforting and timesaving as well.”
The Cancer Information Helpline is a national, toll-free service for people with cancer, their caregivers, their families and their friends, as well as the public and healthcare professionals. Cancer information specialists are available to answer any questions and this was crucial for someone like Ru.
Most of Ru's family live outside Canada, so she had to manage her care on her own. Knowing that there was a place she could call to find out more about programs, support services and other opportunities brought her a sense of comfort.
“Most cancer conversations assume the patient is married or has a caregiver to support them, but don’t include singles living independently, so it’s very important to have resources like the helpline available.”
After using the helpline, Ru was able to have some peace of mind and knew exactly what to expect going forward. She was able to recover quickly, preparing herself for her recovery and know exactly what she would need during that time.
Ru's second cancer diagnosis
Although Ru’s first surgery appeared successful, her cancer experience was far from over. In June 2023, she underwent a lobectomy to remove the tumour and one of the lobes of her lung. She was in the hospital for a week after experiencing a collapsed lung and other complications.
Not long after returning home, Ru’s cough came back. At first it was thought to be part of the healing process but her symptoms got worse. By the end of August, her cough had become so persistent that she could barely speak. She also began coughing up blood. Further tests showed that her lung had collapsed again and that a new 6 cm tumour was blocking her left lung bronchus. Ru was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer.
“I had so many issues by the end of it. I had immense body pain because the cancer had spread. I couldn’t eat, I couldn't sleep,” says Ru.
Ru was referred to BC Cancer and in November 2023 she began taking Lorlatinib, an oral targeted therapy drug. Within just 10 days, she noticed that her pain was going away and her appetite and sleep were beginning to return. By February 2024, scans showed no evidence of disease. While there is no cure, Ru continues to take targeted therapy to help keep the disease under control. As of early 2026, her scans remain clear.
“As soon as I started taking this medication, within 10 days, I started to notice the pain go away and finally got my appetite and sleep back,” she says. “Within three months, I showed no evidence of disease.”
Everything happened so quickly that Ru had little time to process it. During treatment, she focused on doing whatever was necessary to get better. Only later did she begin to fully reflect on how cancer had changed her life.
“You question things and you do wonder, ‘How did I get cancer? Was there something I was doing?’” says Ru. “But I made it through and emerged stronger, more determined and am now moving forward with courage and clarity.”
Turning lived experience into meaningful action
Once Ru had finished the most intense stages of treatment and recovery, she began thinking about how she could use what she had learned to help others. Having gone through much of her cancer experience alone, she knew her perspective could help improve support for others. She returned to the Canadian Cancer Society, this time looking for opportunities to volunteer.
“I think I got to a place mentally where I felt I wanted to give back,” she says. “That’s when volunteering and other ideas started coming to me.”
Ru began participating in patient advisory panels, focus groups, patient surveys and usability testing. Her contributions included helping evaluate the design and usability of the Cancer Trials Canada website for people with cancer, caregivers and family members.
Her experience going through diagnosis, treatment and recovery offered an important perspective. Ru understood not only the physical realities of cancer, but also the logistical and emotional challenges of managing care and interacting with the healthcare system.
“Having been diagnosed with cancer and going through the experience allows you to develop a personal perspective, not only of the realities of living with it, but also on the healthcare system,” she says. “Having a patient’s voice included matters immensely. When that’s there, you can have it reflected in programs and services.”
For Ru, volunteering is an opportunity to help improve the cancer experience for people today while contributing to changes that could benefit future generations.
“Volunteering has been very meaningful as I am able to share my views and give feedback from a lived experience and patient perspective,” says Ru. “I was glad to be part of these projects as they will be used by many across the country.”
You can help people find information, comfort and hope
When someone is facing cancer, knowing where to turn can make an overwhelming experience feel more manageable. The Canadian Cancer Society’s Cancer Information Helpline connects people with trusted information and compassionate support when they need it most.
Your support can help make sure that people like Ru have somewhere reliable to turn with their questions. Donate today to help make the Cancer Information Helpline and other vital support programs possible.
You can also make a difference by sharing your time, knowledge and perspective. Whether you have been personally affected by cancer or simply want to support people in your community, there are many ways to get involved.
Sign up to become a Canadian Cancer Society volunteer and help create hope and meaningful change for people affected by cancer.