BILLINGS - Doctors say the majority of cancer patients are either undergoing aggressive treatment, or are in complete remission, but there is a growing patient population that falls in between.
"I have lobular carcinoma, which is a breast cancer and it is in stage four which means it has gone to another organ, and in my case the lungs," said Linda Shandy.
Linda, 51, is one of 10-million Americans living with cancer.
"Cancer is like an unwanted family member that comes in and you carry it around with you; it goes to work with you, it moves into your home," said Linda.
Since her diagnosis nine months ago, Linda has been managing her cancer on a chronic basis, similar to diabetes or heart disease, and will continue to indefinitely.
"It used to be if you had stage four cancer you went ahead and started making your final arrangements," said Linda.
"We're able to manage that like a chronic disease much more than we were before because most of the medications the toxicity isn't as bad, or we're better at managing those toxicities," said Dr. Thomas Purcell, Medical Director of the Billings Clinic Cancer Center.
Doctor Purcell said the key for patients like Linda is that caregivers be compulsive about managing side effects.
"It's a constant surveillance that without the right coping skills can be very cumbersome and tiresome."
Linda's coping mechanisms include having fun, like at her chemotherapy sessions she sits through once every three weeks. Linda also takes oral hormone medication daily.
"Some days I have my poor Linda pity days, but I try not to let that be the tone of my life," said Linda.
She is back to work at KULR-8 News, where she has been a friend to so many for 29 years. She is also allowed to work from home when she does not feel up to coming in, and is given time to go to her treatments and doctor appointments.
Linda is not afraid to admit that at times the thought of cancer stealing her life from her is scary.
"You know, just living life is terminal though," she said.
And with that in mind, she is holding on to every moment.
"You don't appreciate something until you almost lose it," said Linda. "And when you almost lose your boring little life you realize how much it means to you, and you just want to have that; go to work, come home and cook dinner for your family, that's the good stuff."
Doctor Purcell said any type of cancer can take a more chronic path, it is dependent on a patients underlying biology.
Standup To Cancer airs Friday night on KULR-8, as well as the other major networks. It is an event designed to energize the American public to act and end cancer's reign as a leading cause of death.