Join us as we talk to Em Lahey.

Em was fit, healthy, and thriving at the peak of her career. After experiencing persistent sinusitis symptoms and headaches, she was shocked to learn she had a 4x6x7cm mass in her sinus. The diagnosis: NUT Carcinoma, an extremely rare and aggressive cancer. She was told the cancer didn’t respond well to treatment and was given a life expectancy of just 6–9 months. The tumor was inoperable, and after chemotherapy proved ineffective, she underwent radiotherapy and began immunotherapy to try to keep the disease stable.

Genomic testing eventually offered a glimmer of hope, a targeted treatment that wasn’t initially accessible in Australia until all other options had been exhausted. Em finally qualified for the drug and has now been on it for three years, making her the longest-standing patient on the treatment. As a side effect of radiation, she lost vision in her left eye - something she describes as more challenging than the cancer itself, as it’s a constant, daily reminder.

Em has been a dedicated sargent in the army for 15 years however has been off work on medical leave for the last few years. She applied for the ADF Adaptive Sports Program, which led to her selection for the 2024 Warrior Games in Florida. Earlier this year, she proudly represented Australia at the Invictus Games in Canada, competing in rowing, swimming, wheelchair curling, alpine skiing, and skeleton.

In 2024, Em was the subject of The Time to Live exhibition by the Australian Cancer Research Foundation. She offered a powerful and intimate experience as she auctioned minutes of her remaining time, highlighting the irreplaceable value of time and raising awareness for cancer research.

Em’s sense of humor and reflections on life’s sliding doors moments reveal her deep perspective and resilience. Her story is about truly living. She’s not done yet, there’s still so much she’s determined to experience and achieve.

LINKS

https://www.cancerchicks.org.au/

https://www.acrf.com.au/time-to-live/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XEcT7nV205Q

https://thebigcpodcast.com/

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