Val: A Life of Courage, Faith, and Hope

On March 22, 2021, we had the honor of speaking with Val R. At the time, Val was 28 years old and living with stage IV invasive mucinous adenocarcinoma, a rare subtype of lung cancer. She was first diagnosed in May 2019, at just 26 years old.

Val had recently graduated from her local community college with a degree in medical laboratory technology and was preparing to start her first job in the field. But when she began experiencing severe rib spasms and wheezing, she went to the emergency room. She had previously experienced shortness of breath and a lingering cough but had attributed it to stress, allergies, and work fatigue. That ER visit changed everything.

A chest x-ray and CT scan revealed a seven-centimeter bronchogenic cyst in her right lung—a rare congenital condition. Doctors scheduled surgery to remove the lower two-thirds of her lung. But during the operation, additional unexpected lung masses were discovered. A biopsy confirmed invasive mucinous adenocarcinoma, a particularly rare form of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Val’s doctor shared that she was the youngest patient he had ever treated with this diagnosis.

Navigating a Rare Lung Cancer Diagnosis

At first, Val described feeling numb. Her husband and parents were with her in the hospital when the diagnosis was shared. She broke the news to friends via social media. Val often said that others around her seemed more emotional than she was—she was focused on figuring out the next steps.

Over the course of her treatment journey, Val received:

• Six rounds of chemotherapy

• A targeted therapy (tyrosine kinase inhibitor), which caused severe nausea

• One year of immunotherapy, which brought on GI complications, anxiety, and depression

• Taxotere, a fourth-line chemotherapy that helped her regain some normalcy

Despite the ups and downs, Val remained optimistic and active. She told us:

“I’m at a fairly normal activity level now. I can do about 80% of what someone my age can do.”

Val’s Advice to Others Facing Lung Cancer

Val became a quiet but powerful advocate, offering guidance to other young adults with cancer:

“Don’t freak out when you’re diagnosed. And don’t go straight to Google. Statistics don’t define you—half of them are outdated or wrong.”

She urged others to:

• Speak up about symptoms, even the embarrassing ones

• Ask for palliative care early, not just at end of life

• Consider getting a second opinion

• Stay engaged with hobbies and loved ones

• Meditate and practice self-care, especially when managing anxiety

  
  

Val often credited her mom, her husband, and her beloved cat for keeping her going:

“If I’m down, I play with my cat, talk to my husband, listen to music, or learn new things on YouTube.”

“My relationship with God has helped me through my illness. I’m proud to have made a positive impact.”

You can still visit her blog here: ccLifeLC.blogspot.com

Her uplifting posts on Instagram: @kitty.lovie728

“There can be joy in my trials because I can use my experiences to help others, and that is what really matters to me in the long run.”

A Legacy That Lives On

Val passed away, but her story, strength, and compassion live on. She showed us how to face a devastating diagnosis with grace. She reminded us to laugh, to share, and to keep learning. She inspired us to speak truth—even in pain—and to cherish the simple moments.

Her legacy reminds us that:

• Connection matters

• Vulnerability empowers

• Faith sustains

Val, you made a difference—for us, and for so many. Well done, and thank you my friend. You are deeply missed, and forever remembered.

Read some of Val's writings.

Val on Instagram.

Val’s journey reminds us: connection matters, vulnerability empowers, and faith sustains.

KRAS Kickers is pleased to present a Survivor Story. These are the journeys of cancer survivors that have graciously offered to share this part of their lives with us to provide an awareness of community and hope to our readers.

We are in this together, and we all have a story to tell.