At 48, never-smoker Katie Trimble was an active hiker from Centerville, Utah, until she was diagnosed with stage 3 lung cancer in March 2021. To tackle the lime-sized tumor in her right lung, she sought treatment involving a medication specific to the EGFR gene mutation causing her cancer type. In addition, she went through surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation.

By the next year, her lung cancer had vanished, according to imaging scans and a blood test. However, in a distressing turn of events in July 2022, severe headaches led her to the hospital, where it was discovered that the lung cancer had metastasized to her brain.

Despite the setback, Trimble, now 51 years old and working as a hairstylist, has been striving to adopt an affirmative mindset, proving challenging at times. She believes in keeping yourself engaged and not succumbing to self-pity for a better fighting chance.

Doctors recommend regular check-ups post-treatment of lung cancer, as recurrence is a possibility. Despite the anxiety, it's crucial to follow up with doctors even if there don't seem to be any symptoms, as early detection often occurs through imaging in routine check-ups. CT scans of the chest every six months or annually are generally suggested. They help in tracking any recurrence.

Certain signs may indicate a recurrence, including persisting discomfort in the chest, breathlessness, a new cough, blood in a cough, dizziness, headaches, bone pain, spontaneous bone fractures, weakness, fatigue, and weight loss. If such symptoms persist, your doctor can recommend imaging tests to check for recurrence.

Doctors use imaging not just to assess the chest but other parts of the body to which the cancer may spread. For instance, brain scans may be suggested for headaches or other neurological symptoms. A biopsy may then be used for further confirmation and to identify specific mutations that dictate the treatment that will likely be the most effective.

Treatment options can include chemotherapy, targeted therapy, or immunotherapy, depending on where the recurrence has happened. Radiation therapy may benefit in case of distant recurrences in the bone or brain.

Maintaining a strong supportive network is crucial while battling recurrent lung cancer. It can involve a combination of healthcare professionals, family, and friends. Patient support groups are also beneficial in obtaining advice, encouragement, and shared experiences from those who too have battled recurrent cancer. Katie Trimble's optimistic outlook and her inspiring journey exemplify this relentless fight against recurrence. "There is a light at the end of the tunnel. [If you believe this,] you can beat anything that comes your way," she says.