A woman who tragically passed away after being diagnosed with lung cancer at the age of 34 has shared the five symptoms she experienced to raise awareness. Linda, from the US, was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer, which had spread to her brain and bones, and was told her condition was terminal. Her final Instagram reel, posted on October 23, 2024, aimed to highlight the early warning signs of lung cancer. Sadly, Linda passed away on January 13, 2025, just a few months after sharing her story.
In the emotional post, Linda revealed the five key symptoms she experienced before her diagnosis, hoping to help others spot potential signs early, reported Surry Live. Persistent Cough Linda’s first symptom was a persistent cough, which she had for years. “It started as a light cough but eventually it was deeper, it felt very painful and it felt piercing in my chest,” she explained. Linda urged people not to ignore a cough that doesn’t go away. The NHS notes that lung cancer can cause a long-standing cough that worsens over time or an ache when breathing or coughing.
Headaches: The second symptom Linda mentioned was a constant headache. She recalled waking up every morning for over nine months, taking Tylenol to alleviate the pain. Cancer Research UK states that some lung cancer types produce hormones that can cause headaches, even though they may not seem related to lung cancer.
Pain in Bones and Body Linda also suffered from pain in her bones and body, which she described as “throbbing pulsating pain,” similar to the sensation of stubbing a toe. Both the NHS and Cancer Research UK list chest or shoulder pain as a symptom, with Macmillan Cancer Support highlighting the less common symptom of pain that travels down the arm.
Tiredness: Tiredness was another symptom Linda faced. She described being “exhausted beyond belief and out of breath.” The NHS identifies persistent tiredness and breathlessness as common symptoms of lung cancer.
Nausea: The last symptom Linda experienced was nausea, which she said was constant and severe. According to Cancer Research UK, nausea and vomiting are hormone-related symptoms that can arise with some types of lung cancer.
Linda’s post, which has garnered nearly a million views, 14,000 likes, and over 1,800 comments, has sparked a conversation about delayed diagnoses. In the comments, Linda shared her frustration with the medical system, stating that she sought help from her PCP, urgent care, and ER multiple times, but was repeatedly told she was “young and fine” and that it looked like pneumonia. Only after filing a complaint was she referred for further tests.
Her post has been met with gratitude from others who have found her story empowering. One user thanked Linda for raising awareness: “Thank you for sharing this information. This will absolutely help me and others look out for the symptoms.”
If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s crucial to speak with a GP. While it’s unlikely to be cancer, early detection is key for a better outcome.
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