Name: Laura Lonergan
Neuroendocrine Cancer Site: Lung Neuroendocrine Cancer – Atypical Carcinoid (AC)
Diagnosis Date: March 2024
Neuroendocrine Cancer Specialist Hospital: The Christie NHS Foundation Trust
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Laura’s Story
‘I work for the North-West Ambulance Service, so I have often considered myself to be quite resilient. It’s a job I absolutely love, but it can test you in many ways, emotionally, physically, and intellectually. But finding out I had Lung Neuroendocrine Cancer at the age of just 28, made me dig deeper than I thought possible …’
Early Symptoms and Delayed Diagnosis
I suffered with symptoms of breathlessness, fatigue, and tiredness over a 3-year period, going back and forth to my GP before eventually receiving my diagnosis. A couple of months before my actual diagnosis, my symptoms worsened. I started with a cough that wouldn’t go away, then night sweats, no appetite, breathlessness, and unexpected weight loss. Once that started, I knew something was wrong, but like many, I had no idea of the severity.
Surgery and Recovery
In April 2024, I had a Thoracotomy & Lower Bilobectomy to my right lung. I recovered quite well, considering it was such a big operation. Then in December 2024, I started on 120mg Lanreotide every 4 weeks. Last month (May 2025), I did my own injection for the first time. I was nervous but had asked others at our Manchester Patient Support Group about it, and everyone was very supportive, offering tips and encouragement. I admit it took a bit of courage, but I think I did well, and I can honestly say it didn’t hurt much, and the freedom it will now give me is well worth it.
Support From Family and Friends
Support From Family and FriendsWill, my lovely fiancé has been my absolute rock. I’m so lucky to have such a supportive partner. He hasn’t missed a single appointment with me – he even comes to my Patient Support Group which I’ve now joined in Manchester.
I’m also very grateful for my parents and sister, Faye. They never left my bedside whilst I was in hospital, and I would be lost without them. And despite my brother and sister-in-law living in Australia, they’re always checking in with me and doing what they can from a distance to support me. And of course, my amazing friends have been there throughout it all and shown me so much love and care. It’s so important to have a good support network around you if possible – I would not be able to get through this without mine.
Finding Community Through Support Groups
Earlier this year, my consultant encouraged me to try the Neuroendocrine Cancer UK Patient Support Group, which is held every 8 weeks. It has helped me massively (and I really wasn’t sure it would). Speaking to other people who are going through the same sort of thing, and are so kind and non-judgmental, has really helped. It’s great being able to speak to people and relate to one another.
I admit that I felt quite anxious when Will and I attended the first meeting, and I was hugely out of my comfort zone, but I’m so glad I went. I didn’t think I would benefit as much as I have. We also have a WhatsApp group, and it’s so supportive when one of us has to get scan results or can ask a question, or just to share all this new terminology and try to understand what it means for us.
Staying Active and Working Life
I also love going out walking with Will. We go most days as I love being outdoors, and in January, Will bought me a chihuahua puppy, Little Leo has brought a great deal of joy to our lives and helps me through my sad days.
I work full-time for Northwest Ambulance as an Ambulance Care Assistant. Some days can be tough as it’s quite a physical job. I really enjoy what I do, so I plan to try to carry on with my life as normally as best I can. I like to stay busy as it helps to distract my mind. Before my diagnosis, I did lots of running and hiking, so I’ve had to adapt to a different way of life now, but I keep up with exercise as much as I can.
I’ve always enjoyed running but have never found it easy. I trained a lot for the Manchester Half marathon in October 2022, and I completed it in 2hrs 10mins, with (unknown to me) the bottom lobe of my right lung collapsed. I didn’t find this out until February 2023, when I received my diagnosis – the tumour had been blocking the bottom lobe of my airway, which explained why I was getting so breathless.
When I had lung surgery, I was worried I’d never be able to run again, which was terribly distressing for me. Running has helped me mentally and physically over the years. But a year on from my surgery and I’ve slowly started running again, just once a week, and I hope to be able to complete a half marathon this October.
Words of Advice: Trust Your Instincts
What do you wish you had known before your diagnosis?
I knew something wasn’t right. I’m young, but I didn’t feel ‘well’ – so I would urge anyone else to listen to their instincts … listen to your body. If something doesn’t feel right, speak to your GP … again and again if necessary. Being diagnosed with Stage 4 Lung Neuroendocrine Cancer at the age of 28 really has put everything into perspective. I’ve always been fit and healthy, you never think something like this could happen to you, and naturally, I do find it difficult to understand why it has happened.
So, enjoy life with the people you hold dear – you never know what’s round the corner … and yes, maybe try to find ‘your tribe’ for support. The last year has made me so much stronger than I ever thought I was, but I’ve realised – and it was a surprise to me – that I do need others to walk beside me through this.
Laura
Written June 2025