A PERSISTENT Cough That Changed Everything: My Cancer Story and Why Health Checks Matter

This is part of Cancer Ramblings, a real-time account of living through cancer and healing through sound & wellness, written by Sandy Duarte.

Hello friend,

I want to share something deeply personal with you today—a part of my journey that became a turning point in my fight against cancer and propelled me to write my book.

For months, I had been dealing with a persistent cough. I dismissed it, thinking it was just a lingering cold or perhaps bronchitis. After all, coughing is something many of us experience from time to time, right? I even went to the doctor, who prescribed antibiotics, thinking it might be an infection. But the cough didn’t go away. It kept lingering, and as time passed, I started to feel that something wasn’t quite right.

It wasn’t until the cough became so persistent and I began noticing other symptoms that I decided to get an MRI. That’s when the shocking truth was revealed: a large tumor mass on the left side of my chest that took out my left lung.

Looking back, I never imagined it could be cancer. I’ve always been healthy, I take care of myself, eat well, exercise regularly—cancer was the last thing I thought I’d have to face. But here’s the thing: cancer can happen to anyone. No matter how healthy we feel or how much we take care of ourselves, our bodies can still experience things we never expect.

As it turns out, the tumor mass was so aggressive and strong that it had actually squashed my left lung, which is why I was struggling to breathe. The pressure it put on my lung made it difficult to catch my breath, leaving me winded even with the smallest exertion. I had no idea that something so dangerous was silently causing such havoc in my body. But that’s how cancer works sometimes—insidious, patient, and hidden until it’s too late.

I share this because I want you to understand the importance of listening to your body. Even something as simple as a cough—or any persistent symptom—can be a signal that something needs attention. Although I initially brushed off my symptoms, when I finally sought medical attention, I was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer.

If there’s one thing I’ve learned from this experience, it’s this: don’t wait. If something doesn’t feel right, get checked. Your health matters, and catching things early can make all the difference. Don’t settle for a quick fix or a brush-off diagnosis. If your symptoms aren’t improving, keep pushing for answers.

I’ve written about this experience in my book, Cancer Ramblings. It’s not just my story; it’s a reminder to everyone to stay on top of their health, listen to the subtle signals our bodies give us, and take action before things get worse.

Thank you for being a part of this journey with me. I hope my story can inspire others to be proactive about their health and make sure they're always checking in with their bodies.

Thank you for already being part of the Cancer Ramblings presale! I’m so grateful for your support. As we get closer to the presale launch on January 28, 2025, I’m excited to share this message with the world. If you know anyone who could benefit from this story—whether they’re facing cancer, illness, or just in need of inspiration—please feel free to share it with them. Everyone deserves to listen to their body and catch the signals early, before it's too late.

Take care of yourself.

With love, light and gratitude,
Sandy Duarte
www.CancerRamblings.com

Thank you for being here | Originally Published 12.01.24