Inspirational cancer survivor stories may seem everywhere — in movies, books, magazines, and right here on MyLungCancerTeam. Do you find them inspiring? Or do they stir up other feelings? Do friends and family send these stories to you and expect you to put on a happy face?

Living with lung cancer can be stressful, and every person’s lung cancer journey will be different. Family and friends want to be helpful and supportive but may not know what to say or how to say it. They may assume you’ll be inspired by a particular survivor story and may be eager to share without knowing how it may affect you. Being on the receiving end of too much “inspiration” may even become exhausting.

A 2023 study evaluated the perceptions of people living with cancer and their caregivers on cancer survivor stories. All people in the study reported very positive responses to the survivor stories. The researchers identified four key themes that were most valuable to all participants:

• They expressed positive attitudes toward life.
• They displayed encouraging cancer journeys.
• They provided strategies for dealing with everyday challenges.
• They openly shared vulnerabilities.

The researchers emphasized that it was “highly individualized” when someone benefits the most from the different survivor stories. Each individual affected by cancer has different needs at different times. Not everyone will benefit from the same story at the same time in their lung cancer journey.

Finding Support With Lung Cancer

If you’re living with lung cancer, hearing and learning from other people with lung cancer may help you throughout your journey. Sharing your own story may help you as well. There are a variety of in-person and online support groups and communities for people living with lung cancer.

MyLungCancerTeam is an online community for people who’ve been diagnosed with lung cancer and the people who care about them. It includes more than 13,000 members. On the site, they share their experiences, ask questions, offer support and advice, and share inspirational stories. Team members encourage those who share their struggles. They cheer each other on, no matter if it’s for something big or small.

A MyLungCancerTeam member recently commented, “Everyone on here ‘gets it.’ It’s so nice to talk with people who understand exactly how we feel.”

Another member responded, “I feel the same. … It’s always nice to hear encouraging words and such positive energy from all! Especially when someone is having a bad day, the love and hope we get from each other helps in so many ways.”

Sharing Experiences With Lung Cancer

MyLungCancerTeam members share their journeys from lung cancer diagnosis through treatment. They share information about how they work with their oncologist and other health care providers at their cancer centers. Some share their experiences with different cancer treatments and finding clinical trials. Others share what they’ve learned through their experience of living with lung cancer. Very often, team members will respond and share how a story was similar to their own experience, or that they learned something, or were inspired by the story.

In response to one story, a team member commented, “I loved reading your story. …There are so many similarities to my own journey, experiences, thoughts, and emotions. … I am not afraid! And now I know, I am not alone.”

In response to another shared story, a team member responded, “Your story radiates courage and optimism. Congratulations! You are one tough cancer-fighting warrior! I’m encouraged by your strength!”

MyLungCancerTeam members share their self-care practices and their personal goals — big and small. One MyLungCancerTeam member recently shared a goal of 30 minutes of daily exercise, and a team member responded: “Great goal! You inspire me!”

Another team member shared their goal of accomplishing at least one task each day, Many team members responded with support and encouragement for this goal, including, “I have the same goal and make sure to have a smile no matter if it’s a good day or not.”

Sharing Challenges With Lung Cancer

Sharing your challenges can be helpful throughout your journey with lung cancer. It can be good to talk about your problems or see that other people have similar issues. Many people on MyLungCancerTeam talk about the challenges they are experiencing. Sometimes, team members share ideas that have worked for them.

Battling tiredness and fatigue is a common challenge discussed within the MyLungCancerTeam community. One recent discussion on this topic resulted in many team members sharing what they do when they’re struggling with tiredness.

Another discussion focused on the topic of caregiver exhaustion. Many team members responded with their suggestions and advice. The team member responded, “Thank you. … It’s just hard sometimes and today was a tough one. But you made me feel a lot better.”

MyLungCancerTeam members often share their good days, their so-so days, and their bad days. One team member recently commented, “I’m just thrilled to be here complaining!”

Team members share their lung cancer treatments and how the treatments affect their lives, including side effects. In response to one such discussion, a team member responded, “Don’t feel bad about complaining. … It is important to release those feelings, and what better place than here?”

In another similar discussion, a team member shared, “It’s OK to have a bad day. I know it will pass.”

MyLungCancerTeam members also share their experiences in discussing lung cancer with family and friends as well as some of the challenges they face. One team member noted, “My friends … don’t want to hear anything but I am fine. So I lie.”

Other team members share how they make life adjustments as they go through lung cancer treatment. One team member shared that this is the new normal for them and their family.

Finding a community of people where you can share your experiences, ask questions, and discuss your concerns can be very helpful when you have lung cancer. Talking with family and friends may not be enough. It’s important to find the support you need.

Find Your Team

MyLungCancerTeam is the online community for people with lung cancer and their loved ones. On MyLungCancerTeam, more than 13,000 members come together to ask questions, give advice, and share their stories with others who understand life with lung cancer.

Are you inspired by hearing lung cancer survival stories? Do you have tips for others living with lung cancer? Share your experience or start a conversation by posting on your Activities page.