Patient Testimonial - "Tomorrow Is Not Promised. Never Stop Believing! Never Give Up!"
Luann Graff has always had strong faith, but her life seems to have had a lot of challenges to test it. But she’s not wavering, even with a stage 4 lung cancer diagnosis in January 2016. In fact, she believes she is a walking miracle because statistics at that time for her diagnosis gave her only 6-12 months to live. Luann says, “I said from the day I was diagnosed, God has a purpose for me to fulfill His plan. I wake up every day with a positive, grateful attitude and pray I will be able to do my best to encourage and help others.” And she’s living out those words.
Luann has made hundreds of blankets for the UnityPoint Health – St. Luke’s NICU where her grandson, Easton, had to stay when he was born. She has also crocheted countless ear-warmers and hats for the shelters and our Cancer Center. Luann finds therapy in making handmade encouraging cards and giving them out to others. She and her son, Brad, also opened a new business in March 2021, Heart & Soul Treasures Flea Market.
“While I know that my cancer is always there, I don’t live by my diagnosis,” said Luann. “I live out each and every day to its fullest and thank God for every breath I take.”
Luann’s diagnosis came out of nowhere for her – she did not ever have previous symptoms. It was a normal busy day for her and after she got home one evening, she started struggling to catch her breath. After continuing to gasp for air, she drove herself the 8 miles to the MercyOne Siouxland Medical Center’s ER. Her oxygen level was only at 40%. After several hours of trying to determine what was going on, Luann was admitted to the hospital. A week of scans and tests finally resulted in Dr. Sandeep Gupta, a local pulmonologist, telling her she had cancer in both of her lungs.
Luann says her initial contact with Dr. Stephen Kahanic, a medical oncologist at the June E. Nylen Cancer Center at the time, and the entire staff certainly made an impact on her and her children as to how to handle this going forward.
Luann had a port put in, came to the Cancer Center daily for 33 rounds of radiation therapy with two of her three children, Brad and Shar. She next had chemotherapy once a week for 8 months. Luann then started OPDIVO®, an immunotherapy that she continues monthly. She’s had more than 70 cycles of it. Luann has PET scans every 6 months. “The cancer is still there,” she states. “It’s dormant and the doctors say I am in remission.”
She doesn’t let that stop her. “No matter what happens in your life, you can find the strength to get through it if you choose to. God has used this to help me realize my own mental and physical strength.”
Luann says the most difficult part of her cancer journey has been watching how her diagnosis has impacted her children and seeing the strength they have had to draw on to deal with it. “We have learned that nothing is impossible, and nothing can stop God’s plan for your life.”
Luann is thankful for the professionalism and encouraging support she has always encountered from the physicians and staff at the June E. Nylen Cancer Center and has developed strong relationships with them – apparent from the hugs she gives the day she leaves the infusion room after her treatment. “I just hope that they all realize what a tremendous impact they have on our lives.”
Luann comments, “If I could share just one piece of encouragement… NEVER stop trying, NEVER stop believing, NEVER GIVE UP! I’m making the most of each day. It’s important to me that I find ways to give hugs, make an impact, and help others.”
Great advice from a woman who even after all she’s been through, still has a lot to give.
Luann is thankful for her rocks – her son, Brad, and her neighbors, Terri and Mike.