Mental health is one of the most important — and most overlooked — parts of living with lung cancer. Host James Hiter and fellow survivor Jaymie Knox have an honest conversation about the emotional toll of a stage 4 diagnosis, how to cope with scanxiety, the power of community, and why it's okay not to be okay. Jaymie shares how reframing her thinking, building a strong support network, becoming a foster mom, and leaning into purpose have helped her navigate the mental challenges of treatment. If you or someone you love is living with lung cancer, this episode is a must-listen.

Guests:

Jaymie Knox Voices of Hope Speakers Bureau Member | ALK+ Survivor & Advocate

Jaymie was diagnosed with stage 4 ALK-positive lung cancer in December 2018 at age 32 — newly married and ready to start the next chapter of her life. Her first doctor failed to stage her cancer or explain what lay ahead. She fought for better care and never looked back. Now living in Washington, D.C., Jaymie recently fulfilled a lifelong dream of becoming a foster mom to two young children. She is a passionate advocate for mental health awareness in the lung cancer community and lives by a simple philosophy: "Have your moment, then turn the page."

James Hiter Endurance Athlete | Voices of Hope Speakers Bureau Member | Survivor

James brings curiosity, determination, and hard-won wisdom to conversations about living with lung cancer. Diagnosed in 2017 with a rare multicystic presentation, he’s undergone three lung surgeries and now operates on roughly 55% of his original lung capacity—yet he still runs every single day. His journey through multidisciplinary tumor boards, second opinions, and ongoing surveillance gives him an intimate understanding of what patients and caregivers face. James asks the questions patients actually want answered because he’s wondered them himself.

Show Notes - https://lcfamerica.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/LCFA-AMA-Managing-Mental-Health-Show-Notes.pdf

Transcript - https://lcfamerica.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/LCFA-AMA-Mental-Health-Transcript.pdf

Watch Video - https://youtu.be/lsen2RMilEQ

LCFA Patient Education and Support

• LCFA's Patient Education Materials — Learn about types, stages, and treatment options
• The First 7 Days — LCFA's roadmap for newly diagnosed patients Biomarker Testing and Treatment Information • Biomarker Testing Resources — Why testing matters and how to get it • ALK Positive — Learn more about ALK-positive lung cancer and current treatment options Patient Communities and Support
• Elevate Lung Cancer Care – Learn about advanced ROS1+ or ALK+ non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) diagnosis and ways to navigate care plan discussions
• Online Biomarker-Specific Communities - additional patient-driven organizations listing
• Ask your care team about mental health support - Counseling, social work services, palliative care, and support groups at your treatment center

Screening and Early Detection

• Low-dose CT screening can reduce lung cancer mortality by 14%–25% among eligible individuals Clinical Trials • LCFA Clinical Trial Resources — Tools to find and understand clinical trial options

Subscribe to Living With Lung Cancer: Ask Me Anything podcast for future episodes on your favorite listening platform.

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Lung cancer treatment takes more than physical strength — it takes time.

Host James Hiter sits down with lung cancer survivor Maida Mangiameli to talk about “time toxicity” — the often overlooked burden of treatment on daily life.

They discuss:

• What time toxicity really means for patients
• The hours spent in treatment, recovery, and waiting
• How lung cancer impacts work, routines, and independence
• The time commitment required for clinical trials
• The role caregivers play in managing that time
• How patients adjust to a new pace of life

If you or someone you love is navigating lung cancer, this episode offers a real and honest look at what treatment truly involves.

Guests: James Hiter Endurance Athlete | LCFA Speakers Bureau Member | Survivor

Diagnosed in 2017 with a rare lung cancer, James has navigated three surgeries and now operates at 55% lung capacity—yet he still runs daily. His journey through complex treatments and surveillance gives him a deep, personal understanding of the patient experience. James asks the tough questions because he’s lived them himself. Maida Mangiameli Voices of Hope Speakers Bureau Member | SCLC Survivor & Advocate

A 74-year-old survivor of extensive-stage small cell lung cancer (SCLC), Maida has been in remission for six years. From canceling a dream cruise for immediate treatment to managing spinal tumors with humor and grit, she refuses to be a statistic. Maida is a dedicated advocate for research and a powerful voice on balancing intensive medical care with a vibrant, active life. Show Notes – https://lcfamerica.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/LCFA-AMA-Time-Toxicity-Show-Notes.pdf Transcript – https://lcfamerica.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/AMA-Time-Toxicity-Transcript.pdf Video – https://youtu.be/jgnw0B4mUZY

• NEW! LCFA Caregiver Resources Everything caregivers need in one place — guidance, community, and tools for every stage of the lung cancer journey. lcfamerica.org/living-with-lung-cancer/caregiving-resources/
• Understanding Clinical Trials: FREE Conversation Toolkit For people diagnosed with lung cancer, clinical trials may offer access to promising treatments in addition to standard care. https://lcfamerica.org/about-lung-cancer/clinical-trials/
• Side Effects & Lung Cancer: The Hidden Realities Patients Live With https://lcfamerica.org/story/side-effects-lung-cancer-the-hidden-realities-patients-live-with/

No one hands you a manual when someone you love is diagnosed with lung cancer. One day you're a daughter, a partner, a friend — and the next, you're a scheduler, an advocate, a medical translator, and an emotional anchor. And through all of it, you are still a person with your own fears, your own exhaustion, and your own life.

In this episode of Living With Lung Cancer: Ask Me Anything, host Annabelle Gurwitch sits down with actor and writer Anna Konkle for one of the most honest conversations about caregiving we've had on this podcast. Anna cared for her father through his lung cancer diagnosis and death — and she doesn't hold back about what that experience was really like.

They talk about:

• The loneliness caregivers rarely admit to
• Conflict, resentment, and the feelings no one gives you permission to have
• Respecting a loved one's autonomy while still advocating for their care
• Building a support system when you feel like you're doing it alone
• Why humor and heartbreak so often arrive together
• The unexpected healing that can happen in the hardest moments

If you're caregiving for someone with lung cancer — or you love someone who is — this episode is for you.

For caregiver resources and community support, visit lcfamerica.org.

Show Notes - https://lcfamerica.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/LCFA-AMA-Reality-of-Caregiving-Show-Notes.pdf Transcript - https://lcfamerica.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/LCFA-AMA-Reality-of-Caregiving-Transcript.pdf Video - https://youtu.be/1YBymTFk6lo

Subscribe to the Living With Lung Cancer: Ask Me Anything podcast for future episodes on your favorite listening platform.

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