"Mom's Close Call: How a Routine Scan Saved Her Life"
Shira Boehler's life took a drastic turn when she received a concerning result on her full-body MRI in July last year. The 43-year-old mother of four was preparing for an upcoming event by running six miles, and her husband suggested the scan as a preventive measure. Initially, Shira was hesitant to go through with it, but ultimately decided to take matters into her own hands after dismissing the finding as merely a "baseline" precautionary measure.
However, fate had other plans. The results revealed a small spot on her lung that didn't warrant much attention at first glance. Nonetheless, Shira's family – who just so happened to be doctors themselves – weren't willing to take any chances. Her husband and children urged her to get further tests done, which led to an unexpected diagnosis of Stage 1B lung cancer just four months later.
What could have been a devastating outcome turned into a miraculous recovery when Shira underwent surgery to remove the tumor in October. With the help of advanced medical technology and early detection, she was able to beat cancer in record time – all within the span of five weeks.
Shira's story is a stark reminder that cancer doesn't discriminate based on age or lifestyle. Non-smokers like herself can still be at risk due to exposure to radon, secondhand smoke, pollution, or workplace chemicals. Her case highlights the importance of regular screenings and awareness about lung cancer, which is currently the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the US.
Shira's experience has also inspired her to write a book titled "One Scan Saved My Life," which will be published on April 28. The proceeds from the book sales will support her newly launched foundation, 'cancer doesn't care,' aimed at increasing lung screening access and research.
As Shira puts it, "If you have lungs, you can get lung cancer." Her remarkable story serves as a testament to the power of early detection and awareness in combating this often-overlooked health crisis.
Shira Boehler's life took a drastic turn when she received a concerning result on her full-body MRI in July last year. The 43-year-old mother of four was preparing for an upcoming event by running six miles, and her husband suggested the scan as a preventive measure. Initially, Shira was hesitant to go through with it, but ultimately decided to take matters into her own hands after dismissing the finding as merely a "baseline" precautionary measure.
However, fate had other plans. The results revealed a small spot on her lung that didn't warrant much attention at first glance. Nonetheless, Shira's family – who just so happened to be doctors themselves – weren't willing to take any chances. Her husband and children urged her to get further tests done, which led to an unexpected diagnosis of Stage 1B lung cancer just four months later.
What could have been a devastating outcome turned into a miraculous recovery when Shira underwent surgery to remove the tumor in October. With the help of advanced medical technology and early detection, she was able to beat cancer in record time – all within the span of five weeks.
Shira's story is a stark reminder that cancer doesn't discriminate based on age or lifestyle. Non-smokers like herself can still be at risk due to exposure to radon, secondhand smoke, pollution, or workplace chemicals. Her case highlights the importance of regular screenings and awareness about lung cancer, which is currently the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the US.
Shira's experience has also inspired her to write a book titled "One Scan Saved My Life," which will be published on April 28. The proceeds from the book sales will support her newly launched foundation, 'cancer doesn't care,' aimed at increasing lung screening access and research.
As Shira puts it, "If you have lungs, you can get lung cancer." Her remarkable story serves as a testament to the power of early detection and awareness in combating this often-overlooked health crisis.