My Journey With Small Cell Lung Cancer: Debbie’s Story Of Hope And Healing

Debbie Rodgers and her husband, Rick, have always shared a passion for travel. Together for more than 20 years, they've explored destinations all over the world, especially enjoying their hikes in Alaska. But while on a trip in late 2023, Debbie began to notice something unusual.

"I was constantly exhausted," Debbie explained. "I'd been hiking those Alaskan mountains for years, but suddenly, every step felt impossible."

When the fatigue wouldn't go away after she returned home to Columbus, Indiana, Debbie knew she needed to find some answers.

From Fatigue To A Diagnosis No One Wants To Hear

In November of that year, Debbie was diagnosed with stage four small cell lung cancer and rheumatoid arthritis.

"My cancer journey started then," Debbie said. "You never expect to hear those words."

Rick, always her source of strength, stood beside her from day one, offering comfort and support.

Why Lung Scans Are Critical, Even When You're Nervous

Debbie had previously had a lung scan at another hospital several years earlier.

"At the time, the doctors said it was too small for a biopsy," she recalled.

The experience was unsettling and made her hesitant to return for follow-up scans.

"I felt anxious, even frightened," Debbie said. "I convinced myself it wasn't necessary to keep going back."

When she looks back, she regrets delaying those follow-up appointments.

"If I could offer one piece of advice: Please, always go to your lung cancer screening — even if they say the spot is small," Debbie said. "Those scans can save your life. I'm where I am today because I didn't keep going back to get my scans."

Finding Hope At Franciscan Health

At Franciscan Health, Debbie began treatments right away. Due to the advanced stage of her cancer, her body struggled to respond positively to standard chemotherapy and immunotherapy.

"Unfortunately, my body just didn't respond well at first," Debbie explained. "It wasn't anyone's fault — it was simply my cancer."

Her care team, led by medical oncologist Harsha Ranganath, MD and radiation oncologist Craig Schneider, MD, remained committed to finding the right treatment. In January 2024, a breakthrough came when Franciscan introduced Debbie to IMDELLTRA, a new treatment recently approved by the FDA specifically for small cell lung cancer.

Debbie remembers feeling such relief when she learned about the new therapy.

"Suddenly, there was real hope," she said. "Previously, small cell lung cancer treatments offered very few options. IMDELLTRA was different — and it's been life-changing."

What Is IMDELLTRA? Understanding Debbie's New Treatment, A Type Of Bite Therapy

IMDELLTRA is a medicine designed for patients with extensive-stage small cell lung cancer. It's known as a T-cell engager, which helps fight cancer cells in the body by helping the patient's own immune system to destroy the cancer cells. It's also known as BiTE therapy (bispecific T-cell engager), which is a form of immunotherapy. Debbie was one of the first patients at Franciscan Health to receive it.

Since beginning IMDELLTRA, Debbie's scans have steadily improved.

"My lung and brain scans keep coming back clear or stable. Each result brings me hope," she said.

Exceptional Care That Felt Like Family

Throughout Debbie's journey, her Franciscan care team became her second family. Her nurses and all the medical staff she met provided more than medical care — they offered genuine compassion.

"When you're diagnosed, your whole world flips upside down," Debbie said. "The way your medical team treats you truly matters. Franciscan Health never made me feel like just another patient. They treated me like someone they genuinely cared for."

Drawing Strength From Family And Faith

Alongside her medical care, Debbie found emotional strength not only in her husband but also in her son and her church community. Her brother, Pastor Jimmy Miracle, reminded her of her spiritual strength. He said, "Trust your faith in God. He will give you the strength you need."

This support, Debbie believes, has been essential to her recovery. "I held onto that encouragement every day," she said.

A Brighter Future Ahead

Debbie now feels stronger and optimistic, and she looks forward to getting back to the activities she loves, especially traveling to visit her grandchildren in Alaska and California.

"I'm excited to get back to Alaska and hike those mountains again, without the need to rest every few minutes," Debbie said. "My future feels brighter now, thanks to Franciscan Health. They've given me another chance."