What if treating early-stage lung cancer could be as simple as lying still for 10 minutes—no surgery, no anesthesia, no hospital stay? In this episode, host James Hiter talks with Dr. Drew Moghanaki, Chief of Thoracic Oncology at UCLA, about SABR (stereotactic ablative radiation)—a game-changing treatment that delivers highly precise radiation in just 1-5 sessions. Learn why every patient should ask for a radiation oncologist consult, how SABR compares to surgery, and why preserving lung tissue matters for long-term quality of life.

Key topics covered:

• What SABR/SBRT is and how it works
• Why treatment takes 5 sessions or less (sometimes just one!)
• The importance of biomarker testing before any local therapy
• How multidisciplinary teams improve treatment decisions
• What the treatment experience is actually like
• The future of lung cancer local therapies

Whether you're newly diagnosed with early-stage lung cancer or exploring treatment options, this conversation delivers practical information and hope through scientific progress.

Show Notes - https://lcfamerica.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/AMA-SABR-for-Lung-Cancer-Show-Notes.pdf Transcript - https://lcfamerica.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/AMA-SABR-for-Lung-Cancer-Transcript.pdf Video - https://youtu.be/a6q2ZaJp9BQ

Changing doctors can feel overwhelming, but it’s often an important part of getting the right care—especially in lung cancer. In this episode of Living With Lung Cancer: Ask Me Anything, host Annabelle Gurwitch talks with advocate Colette Smith about how to communicate your needs, recognize when a doctor isn’t the right fit, and build a care team that supports your goals. Learn practical strategies for speaking up, seeking second opinions, preparing for appointments, and staying informed about the science behind your mutation.

Show Notes - https://lcfamerica.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/AMA-Communicating-With-Your-Doctor-Show-Notes.pdf

Transcript - https://lcfamerica.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/AMA-Communicating-With-Your-Doctor-Transcript.pdf

Watch Video - https://youtu.be/pv6cQGo4gog

Communication with your oncologist can make all the difference in your lung cancer journey. In this episode, host Annabelle Gurwitch talks with thoracic oncologist Dr. Alice Shaw about how to have more effective conversations with your care team. Learn practical strategies for discussing treatment goals, managing side effects, understanding biomarker testing, and knowing when to seek a second opinion. Whether you're newly diagnosed or years into treatment, this episode offers valuable insights for becoming a more empowered patient.

Guest: Dr. Alice Shaw, Director of the Center for Thoracic Cancers at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School

Host: Annabelle Gurwitch, New York Times bestselling author, LCFA Speakers Bureau member, and lung cancer survivor

Visit her website: annabellegurwitch.com | Follow her on Facebook

Show Notes - https://lcfamerica.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/AMASharedDecisionMakinginLungCancerCare-Show-Notes.pdf

Transcript- https://lcfamerica.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/AMAShared-Decision-Making-in-Lung-Cancer-Transcript.pdf

Watch Video - https://youtu.be/BV98OiryMe0

In this episode of Living With Lung Cancer: Ask Me Anything, host Annabelle Gurwitch sits down with Dr. Alice Shaw from Dana-Farber Cancer Institute for an in-depth conversation about ROS1-positive lung cancer. Learn about this rare biomarker affecting only 1-2% of lung cancer patients, breakthrough targeted therapies, and how next-generation treatments are transforming outcomes.

Dr. Shaw, an internationally recognized expert in targeted therapies, discusses the importance of biomarker testing, clinical trial participation, and why specialized care matters for rare biomarkers. She explains how next-generation ROS1 inhibitors are more potent, selective, and designed to penetrate the brain—addressing one of lung cancer's most challenging complications.

Whether you're newly diagnosed with ROS1-positive lung cancer, a caregiver, or seeking to understand treatment advances, this episode provides essential information and real hope through scientific advancement.

Topics covered:

• What "oncogene-driven" lung cancer means and why it's good news • The critical importance of comprehensive biomarker testing • Tissue vs. liquid biopsy: which test and when • How ROS1 targeted therapies have evolved over 15 years • Next-generation treatments with better efficacy and fewer side effects • Brain penetration and preventing metastases • How to participate in clinical trials while keeping your local care team • Advocating for specialized care and second opinions • Resources for ROS1 patients and caregivers

Guest: Dr. Alice Shaw, Director of the Center for Thoracic Cancers at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School

Host: Annabelle Gurwitch, New York Times bestselling author, LCFA Speakers Bureau member, and lung cancer survivor

Show Notes - https://lcfamerica.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/AMA-ROS1-Positive-Lung-Cancer-Show-Notes.pdf

Transcript - https://lcfamerica.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/AMA-ROS1-Treatments-w-Dr-Alice-Shaw-Transcript.pdf

Watch Video - https://youtu.be/uy0B67AyyVs

Side effects can be painful, frustrating, and deeply misunderstood—especially when they’re invisible. In this episode, host Annabelle Gurwitch and advocate Colette Smith share candid stories about surgery recovery, TKI toxicity, anxiety, and the everyday challenges patients rarely talk about.

Learn how to navigate tough conversations with doctors, what to do when side effects interrupt your life, and why community support is essential. Whether you're newly diagnosed, in long-term survivorship, or supporting someone you love, this episode offers practical insight, validation, and hope.

Annabelle Gurwitch – Host, Author, and Patient Advocate Annabelle brings compassion and candor to conversations about lung cancer, creating space for honest discussions about challenges patients face—from medical debt to emotional strain.

Visit her website: annabellegurwitch.com | Follow her on Facebook

Colette Smith – Colette Smith is a dynamic lung cancer survivor, patient advocate, and community health champion who transformed her 2015 Stage 1A adenocarcinoma diagnosis into a powerful platform for change. As a never-smoker diagnosed through persistent self-advocacy, Colette's mission is to emphasize the importance of patient empowerment and early detection.

Show Notes - https://lcfamerica.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/AMA-Side-Effects-Show-Notes.pdf

Transcript - https://lcfamerica.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/AMA-Side-Effects-Transcript.pdf

Watch Video- https://youtu.be/n1_IQF3ho7Y

How am I supposed to afford this? It's the question many lung cancer patients are afraid to ask out loud.

In our premiere episode, host Annabelle Gurwitch tackles the financial toxicity of cancer care—the hidden costs beyond medical bills, insurance battles, medical debt, and where to find help when you can't afford treatment.

Financial toxicity is one of the most difficult and overlooked challenges in cancer care. Annabelle and advocate Colette Smith share powerful stories about navigating insurance roadblocks, medical debt, and employment discrimination.

Learn practical strategies to manage out-of-pocket costs, appeal denials, and access trusted resources. Whether you are a patient, caregiver, or healthcare professional, this conversation sheds light on the true cost of living with lung cancer and how knowledge can turn financial fear into empowerment.

Annabelle Gurwitch – Host, Author, and Patient Advocate Annabelle brings compassion and candor to conversations about lung cancer, creating space for honest discussions about challenges patients face—from medical debt to emotional strain.

Visit her website: annabellegurwitch.com | Follow her on Facebook

Colette Smith is a dynamic lung cancer survivor, patient advocate, and community health champion who transformed her 2015 Stage 1A adenocarcinoma diagnosis into a powerful platform for change. As a never-smoker diagnosed through persistent self-advocacy, Colette's mission is to emphasize the importance of patient empowerment and early detection.

Show Notes - https://lcfamerica.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/AMA-Financial-Toxicity-Show-Notes.pdf

Transcript - https://lcfamerica.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/AMA-Financial-Toxicity-Transcript.pdf

Watch Video - https://youtu.be/SfLl_jnvH8U