Leslie Stoll's world was turned upside down when a broken leg in 2014 led to a pulmonary embolism. The incident, though severe at the time, was not life-threatening and led to her being referred to a hematologist. Years later, when she had surgery on her foot, another blood clot appeared, prompting a CT scan that revealed an anomaly in her lungs.
Despite never having smoked, Stoll's lung function felt normal, and her doctor warned her it might be something damaged from the previous embolism. A PET scan further raised concerns as results showed "malignancy could not be ruled out." Her doctor recommended a lung biopsy, which eventually revealed Stage One lung cancer - a diagnosis that shocked Stoll.
According to medical experts, people who have never smoked are more likely to get lung cancer than expected. Women, particularly those of Asian descent, and younger patients with genetic mutations are also at higher risk. Delasos notes that an increased awareness may contribute to the rise in diagnoses as older tests are no longer missed due to newer technologies.
Stoll was referred to Dr. Andrew Arndt, who encouraged her to undergo a robotic surgery to remove a section of her lung's lower lobe. He sketched her lung and explained what the operation entailed, reassuring Stoll that she would be too young to ignore this cancer if left untreated. The procedure confirmed the absence of cancer in her lymph nodes.
Stoll describes recovery as more challenging than surgery itself. She experienced significant fatigue and loss of exercise ability. However, after several months, she regained her fitness level and even completed a difficult hike at Camelback Mountain nine months post-surgery.
Today, Stoll is back to her normal life, exercising regularly and attending follow-up appointments. Her cancer was diagnosed early due to diligence in checking up with her doctor, and she believes the surgery prevented further damage from taking over her body.
Despite never having smoked, Stoll's lung function felt normal, and her doctor warned her it might be something damaged from the previous embolism. A PET scan further raised concerns as results showed "malignancy could not be ruled out." Her doctor recommended a lung biopsy, which eventually revealed Stage One lung cancer - a diagnosis that shocked Stoll.
According to medical experts, people who have never smoked are more likely to get lung cancer than expected. Women, particularly those of Asian descent, and younger patients with genetic mutations are also at higher risk. Delasos notes that an increased awareness may contribute to the rise in diagnoses as older tests are no longer missed due to newer technologies.
Stoll was referred to Dr. Andrew Arndt, who encouraged her to undergo a robotic surgery to remove a section of her lung's lower lobe. He sketched her lung and explained what the operation entailed, reassuring Stoll that she would be too young to ignore this cancer if left untreated. The procedure confirmed the absence of cancer in her lymph nodes.
Stoll describes recovery as more challenging than surgery itself. She experienced significant fatigue and loss of exercise ability. However, after several months, she regained her fitness level and even completed a difficult hike at Camelback Mountain nine months post-surgery.
Today, Stoll is back to her normal life, exercising regularly and attending follow-up appointments. Her cancer was diagnosed early due to diligence in checking up with her doctor, and she believes the surgery prevented further damage from taking over her body.
I mean, have you guys ever heard of a pulmonary embolism? It's like your blood clots in your lungs and can be super scary. Apparently, Leslie Stoll had one in 2014 and thought it was just that - a problem with her leg. But turns out, it was actually a warning sign for lung cancer! 
... but honestly, I think its great that people are being more aware of their health now and getting checked up regularly. Thats why Delasos is happy with the rise in diagnoses - it means older tests aren't being missed because of new tech 
. Anyway, Im so relieved to hear that Leslie recovered from her lung cancer and went on to do amazing things afterwards 
! It just goes to show that even when life gives you lemons, you can still make a refreshing glass of lemonade 
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Now, I'm not a doctor or anything but shouldn't people who've never smoked be able to catch lung cancer easily? Like, what's the deal with that?
... I mean, who expects to get lung cancer at 25? Leslie Stoll's situation is crazy, right? She's never smoked and has normal lung function, so it's weird that she ends up with cancer. But at the same time, it makes you realize how much more common it is than we think 
. I mean, who wants to be young again after having to deal with cancer? And yeah, it's crazy how they say people who never smoked are more likely to get lung cancer... um, what a weird rule 
. Like, why would we trust doctors when it comes to our health? They're just humans too, right? 
. Stoll's cancer was diagnosed early, but it wasn't like she just magically found out about it or something... it took her going to the doctor for a bunch of tests. So, yeah, I think it's all pretty wild 
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Women, especially those of Asian descent, and young patients with genetic mutations are also at higher risk 
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. What's the deal? Shouldn't we be prioritizing preventive care from an earlier age? 
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. Stoll's story is a great example of how early detection can save lives 
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. But the good news is that it was caught early, so she got treatment and went through surgery 
. Anyway, she's all good now and stuff, just had to go through some recovery after surgery, but she's back to normal 
... I mean, who wouldn't want to have a second chance at life after being diagnosed with lung cancer? 
... And it's not like smoking or genetics are the only factors that can lead to lung cancer, right? 
20 yrs ago Leslie Stoll almost died from a blood clot & now she's told she has stage one lung cancer 
! Like what even is life? I mean I know it's not all good news, but isn't she super lucky she caught it early? The fact that she had to have surgery to remove part of her lung just shows how rare this actually is. 
. I'm def taking my lung health more seriously now, tbh... u should too, fam 
I cant believe how fast it happened to this girl Leslie Stoll 
u should totes follow Leslie Stoll's story, it's super inspiring! 
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. We should all take a cue from her positive attitude and just crush life