After hearing that you have advanced lung cancer—and that doctors believe you may have only one to three years left—it’s normal to feel like the floor just dropped out from under you. If you’re still smoking, maybe there’s guilt sitting on top of the fear. And if you’re Black, there may be an extra layer of frustration: worrying about whether you’ll be listened to, respected, or even treated equally as you go through care. But here’s one thing that needs to be said up front: you are still here. That means your time isn’t over. It means you still have choices.
A prognosis isn’t a deadline—it’s a guideline based on averages. It doesn’t predict how you’ll respond to treatment, or how your spirit will carry you forward. You are not just a diagnosis. You are a whole person with a story that matters, even now.
What It Means to “Live Fully”
Living fully after a diagnosis doesn’t mean you need to climb mountains or travel across the world. It might mean being present for the people you love. It could be spending time on your porch, telling stories to your grandchildren, reconnecting with old friends, or watching your favorite shows with a hot cup of tea.
Living fully is about deciding what matters most to you and leaning into that. If something makes you smile, brings you peace, or reminds you of who you are, do more of that. You don’t have to prove anything to anyone. You just have to live in a way that feels real to you.
Yes, You’re Still Smoking—And You Still Deserve Care
Let’s talk about smoking. You’ve probably already heard a dozen versions of “You need to quit.” Maybe you’ve even said it to yourself. But let’s keep it honest: quitting is hard. It’s been part of your life for a long time, maybe even your identity.
The truth is, you deserve care, compassion, and quality treatment no matter what. Smoking is part of your story, but it doesn’t define you. Some people choose to quit smoking after their diagnosis and feel physically better for it. Others don’t, and that doesn’t mean they give up or don’t care about living. You are not a statistic. You are not a problem to be fixed. You’re a person, and your health decisions are yours to make.
Legacy Isn’t Just About Money
A lot of people think “legacy” means money or wills, but it goes far beyond that. Legacy is the stories you leave behind, the love you pass down, the things you’ve taught just by living your life. You can start building that legacy today—whether by writing letters to your children, passing along family recipes, or simply spending time with the people who matter most.
Don’t underestimate the power of your presence. Your voice, your values, and your love will outlast your time here. Legacy is about meaning, not just material.
Talk About What Matters—Even When It’s Hard
In many Black families, talking openly about death is tough. It can feel like bad luck, or like something we’re just not supposed to do. But silence can leave your loved ones in the dark, unsure of what you want. Having honest conversations now can bring a deep sense of peace, not just for you, but for the people you love.
Tell them how you want to be cared for. Talk about whether you’d want to be at home, in a hospital, or in hospice care. Let them know what brings you comfort, whether that’s gospel music, prayer, or just holding hands in silence. These conversations can be emotional, but they’re also powerful. They help make sure your final chapter reflects who you are.
Lean Into What Feeds Your Spirit
Many people find strength through faith, prayer, and community. If you’ve been connected to a church, mosque, or other spiritual space, now is the time to let those communities support you. Ask for prayer. Let your pastor visit. Call on your faith leaders when you’re struggling.
If you’re not religious, that’s okay too. You can still find peace in nature, music, poetry, meditation, or simply in quiet reflection. Whatever lifts your spirit, follow that. Your emotional and spiritual well-being is just as important as your physical care.
Find Joy in the Everyday
Even with a serious illness, joy can still live alongside grief. Sometimes it’s found in the simplest things—a good meal, a child’s laughter, your favorite song. Give yourself permission to laugh, to smile, to enjoy things. It doesn’t mean you’re in denial. It means you’re alive.
Let joy find you in the cracks between pain and fear. Let it remind you that you’re still capable of feeling love, hope, and peace. Those moments matter. They’re not small—they’re sacred.
You Are Not Done Yet
Lung cancer may have changed your plans, but it hasn’t erased your story. You still get to decide how to spend this time. You still get to hold the pen. Whether you’re choosing treatment, focusing on comfort, planning for the future, or just taking one day at a time, you are showing up. You are living. And that matters.
You don’t need anyone’s permission to make the most of today. You have the right to dignity, to peace, and to joy—even now. This is not about giving up. It’s about living on your own terms, with honesty and grace.
You still have time. You still have people who love you. And you still have the power to make this chapter count.
