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Author: Samantha Murrell, lung cancer patient at Huntsman Cancer Institute
From time to time, Huntsman Cancer Institute invites guest commentary from our community. The views reflected in these commentaries are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the official views of Huntsman Cancer Institute.
My name is Samantha Murrell, and my life changed forever in April 2024 when I was diagnosed with stage 4 non-small cell lung adenocarcinoma (NSCLC) with a HER2 mutation.
It all started with what I thought was a lingering cough after a trip to India. Two weeks after returning to Missoula, Montana, the cough hadn鈥檛 gone away, and I began feeling chest pressure. Something didn鈥檛 feel right, so I went to urgent care. A chest X-ray revealed my entire lung was full of fluid and partially collapsed. I was shocked鈥攋ust the day before, I had been hiking and paddleboarding.
The doctor urged me to go to the emergency room immediately. At the hospital, I was admitted quickly, and a chest tube was inserted to drain the fluid. My scans showed suspicious lesions on my liver and left lung. The doctors suspected cancer but didn鈥檛 yet know the type. After five days of testing, a liver biopsy confirmed NSCLC. Further analysis identified a HER2 mutation driving my cancer. I was devastated. How could this happen to me, a 37-year-old who鈥檇 always been fit, active, and healthy?
Adjusting to a New Reality
My diagnosis came as a shock to everyone who knew me. I had never smoked and always prioritized my health, yet here I was with stage 4 lung cancer. My husband, Justin, an active-duty Army member, and I decided to relocate to Utah to be closer to family and ensure I could receive care at an NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center. Within weeks, we were settled in Utah, and I had my first appointment at Huntsman Cancer Institute.
From the moment I walked in, I knew I was in the right place. My care team greeted me with warmth and compassion, developing a personalized plan to address my specific cancer mutation. Beyond treatment, I鈥檝e also benefited from complementary therapies like acupuncture and massage, which have helped manage my symptoms and stress. The support from the nurses, staff, and other patients has been invaluable. It鈥檚 comforting to know I鈥檓 not alone on this journey.
Today, I鈥檓 on my second line of treatment, targeted specifically to my HER2 mutation. Despite the challenges, I feel fortunate to still be working, traveling, and hiking. I鈥檝e learned to savor the small things I once took for granted and embrace the present moment.
My Advice for Others
To anyone facing a life-altering diagnosis, especially at a young age, here鈥檚 what I鈥檝e learned:
Take it one day at a time
The future can feel overwhelming, so focus on the present.
Build your support network
Surround yourself with family, friends, or anyone who uplifts you.
Advocate for yourself
Ensure you have a care team you trust and feel comfortable with.
Find your tribe
Join a support group of individuals who understand your experience.
Lung cancer doesn鈥檛 define who I am, but it has reshaped my perspective on life. I鈥檓 determined to live fully, cherishing each day and finding strength in the incredible support around me. My journey is far from over, but I face it with hope and resilience.
![[field.image-button-alternative-text]](/huntsmancancerinstitute/sites/g/files/zrelqx336/files/media/images/2025/samantha-murrell-wings-expanded.jpg "I鈥檓 determined to live fully, cherishing each day and finding strength in the incredible support around me.")
The critical research happening every day at Huntsman Cancer Institute is supported by the National Institutes of 人妻中出视频/National Cancer Institute, including cancer center support grant P30 CA042014, as well as Huntsman Cancer Foundation.