Facing Stage 4 Lung Cancer as a Mother: My Daughte...
Lung Cancer
Facing Stage 4 Lung Cancer as a Mother: My Daughters Are My Strength
Millie Torchia has stage 4 lung cancer — she’s also a mother to three young daughters. Many survivors tell us the temptation to hide the seriousness of cancer from their kids is certainly there, but Millie decided to be honest with her kids about what her disease is, and what it can lead to.
“I felt so relieved sharing,” Millie says. “My 10-year-old was the one that understood the most. And I felt much more comfortable, because sometimes I would just sit at home and cry for no reason, but they would come and comfort me. They would come and give me a hug. My 10-year-old would say, ‘Think happy thoughts, Mommy.’ My daughters are my strength.”
Like many survivors, Millie says it’s her support system that keeps her fighting — no matter how horrible her diagnosis seems. And the experience has changed her. “This experience has taught me that there are many good people out there … I try to live for this moment. I try to enjoy the moment that I am in. Everyone has been so supportive, I sometimes can’t believe it.”
Learn more about SurvivorNet's rigorous medical review process.
Millie Torchia has stage 4 lung cancer — she’s also a mother to three young daughters. Many survivors tell us the temptation to hide the seriousness of cancer from their kids is certainly there, but Millie decided to be honest with her kids about what her disease is, and what it can lead to.
“I felt so relieved sharing,” Millie says. “My 10-year-old was the one that understood the most. And I felt much more comfortable, because sometimes I would just sit at home and cry for no reason, but they would come and comfort me. They would come and give me a hug. My 10-year-old would say, ‘Think happy thoughts, Mommy.’ My daughters are my strength.”
Like many survivors, Millie says it’s her support system that keeps her fighting — no matter how horrible her diagnosis seems. And the experience has changed her. “This experience has taught me that there are many good people out there … I try to live for this moment. I try to enjoy the moment that I am in. Everyone has been so supportive, I sometimes can’t believe it.”
Learn more about SurvivorNet's rigorous medical review process.