Linda Chavez, a 35-year-old woman diagnosed with terminal cancer, is using TikTok to raise awareness about the symptoms she overlooked for years. Chavez was diagnosed with Metastatic Bronchial Carcinoma, a type of lung cancer, which by the time it was discovered, had progressed to stage four and was deemed terminal.
Despite seeking medical advice over the years, Chavez’s symptoms were often misdiagnosed as less serious conditions. As a wife and mother of two, she now shares updates on her journey and insights about her illness on TikTok under the handle @theterminalcancershow.
In one of her videos, Chavez detailed the five symptoms she experienced before her diagnosis, hoping her story can encourage others to take their health more seriously.
Persistent Coughing
Chavez revealed that she endured a persistent cough for years. Initially, it was light and easy to dismiss, but over time it became deeper and more painful.
“Eventually it was deeper, it felt very painful, and it felt piercing in my chest,” she explained. “Please do not ignore a persistent cough.”
Bone Pain
One of the more unusual symptoms Chavez experienced was a pulsating pain in her bones. She described it as feeling similar to the sensation of stubbing a toe but occurring throughout her body.
The advanced stage of her cancer is attributed to its spread beyond her lungs to other parts of her body, causing this widespread pain.
Constant Headaches
Chavez shared that she woke up with a headache every morning for over nine months. Despite taking medication, the pain persisted daily. While headaches aren’t commonly linked to lung cancer, her cancer had spread to her brain, spine, lymph nodes, and adrenal gland, which accounted for this symptom.
Fatigue
Extreme exhaustion was another symptom Chavez battled. She described being “exhausted beyond belief,” which eventually impacted her breathing.
“I literally had to take shallow breaths due to the pain I was feeling every time I was inhaling or exhaling,” she shared.
Nausea
The final symptom Chavez experienced was severe nausea. She explained that her brain metastases, particularly in the right frontal lobe, contributed to this symptom by affecting hunger, cravings, and overall digestive control.
“I was definitely very, very nauseous towards getting diagnosed,” she said.
Raising Awareness and Funds
Chavez’s story has resonated with many, leading to a successful GoFundMe campaign organized by her brother-in-law. The fundraiser has raised over $40,000 to support her medical expenses.
In the latest update on the campaign page, it was revealed that Chavez had developed leptomeningeal dissemination disease, a condition where cancer spreads to the fluid in the brain. She was discharged from the hospital on December 3 for a new treatment regimen involving labs, procedures, and rigorous infusions.
The update read: “It’s no doubt the kids and family, friends, and even social media followers breathe life into Lin and her fight. To those who know Lin, she’s a fighter through and through and won’t go down without fighting the good fight.”
If you or someone you know has been affected by these issues, support is available. Contact Macmillan’s Cancer Support Line at 0808 808 00 00, open 8 am to 8 pm, seven days a week.