#BraveLikeFrenchy
Name: James “Frenchy” Lambert
Age: 54
Diagnosis: SNUC Sinonasal Undifferentiated Carcinoma
Years of Survivorship: 4 months
Location: Colorado
Follow James on Instagram.
“The truth is that CANCER gives me the opportunity to choose POSITIVE”
James Lambert, also known as Frenchy, is someone who exudes positivity. His life before cancer was centered on positivity, and now with a rare cancer diagnosis, his values remain the same.
Frenchy’s positive outlook does not suppress the challenging journey that he’s faced the past few months, but exists in spite of it. In June 2023, he noticed a lingering sinus issue during his busy work schedule which often required flights each week to various cities. After many visits to urgent care, he remained answerless. His eyesight continued to get worse as unbeknownst to him, there was a tumor growing behind his eye socket and causing his eye to bulge outwards.
Finally, following a CT scan and biopsy in late September, Frenchy and his wife Denise received the news that he has a rare cancer called, Sinonasal Undifferentiated Carcinoma (SNUC). SNUC is a rare cancer of the nasal cavity and/or paranasal sinuses. In typical Frenchy nature, he responded with relief. “Okay, now this is something we can work with.”
Life looks drastically different now. As two very active, ultra runners, Frenchy and Denise’s calendars went from upcoming trail runs or 100 mile races to oncologist appointments and cancer treatments. He’s slowly incorporated running back into his daily routine for both the mental and physical benefits. Getting outside for a run adds a sense of normalcy that helps him not think about cancer 24/7.
“This is my new ultra race and I am going to have to make it to the finish line one aid station at a time.”
It truly takes a village. When Frenchy bravely opened up about his cancer journey on social media, he received an outpouring of love and support from both people he knew and complete strangers. His inbox filled with questions from people from all over the world in similar situations and trying to figure out their own next steps. They’d exchange advice and knowledge back and forth as they navigated their diagnosis. A powerful bond was formed between rare cancer survivors who often feel alone in their disease.
“You leave medical appointments with uncertainties so hearing other people’s stories with rare cancer is super powerful.”
Unlike more common cancers which perhaps include a clear roadmap for what treatment plan is most effective, in Frenchy’s case the oncologists offered him some ideas of what might possibly work for him with no guarantees. Entering into a journey that is unclear, he knows that every opportunity to exude positivity is vital. He is temporarily living in Houston, as he undergoes an exciting treatment plan at MD Anderson that involves blended treatment of proton therapy, radiation, and chemotherapy.
Follow #BraveLikeFrenchy’s journey through his social media channel.
How has running or staying physically active affected your journey?
“I have only just restarted running slowly 10 days into my 1st cycle of Induction Chemotherapy. My mileage is not the same, but shorter and slower runs are still making my day. I am already thinking ahead to the next race I can add onto my 2024 calendar. But whatever my body can give, I’ll take it.”
What advice do you have for people on staying fit throughout their recovery?
“Having only just begun my journey, my advice is to take it one day at a time. And to inspire others with choosing positive. All the long runs and hard races in my past have built a mindset that you can’t quit. You take it from aid station to aid station, one small goal at a time. My doctors have supported me to stay physically active for both the mental and physical benefit as well as continuing the normalcy of my life. This helps me not think about cancer 24/7.”
“I have a lot to live for and no time to waste on a pity party.”
What are some of your proudest accomplishments?
“As someone who is currently living with cancer my proudest accomplishment is choosing positive in my approach to my treatment.”
How has Gabe's story impacted you or changed the way you view life as a cancer patient/survivor?
“Gabe's story has inspired me to share my story with others without fear of judgement. When I shared my story on social media, I felt an outpouring of love from everywhere in both familiar people and some I don’t know. I learned that throwing yourself out there and putting exposure on all of the rare cancers can help others learn more. We can help each other in this. I hope I can inspire other people to just get off the couch and do something!”
What does being #BraveLikeFrenchy mean to you?
“Being #BravelikeFrenchy means choosing positive and living life fully one day at a time. I am often asked, ‘how do you do it?’ I have to accept my situation and know that I can only control what I can do. So I will focus on that and stay active.”
What are you most looking forward to in the near future?
“Becoming a cancer survivor :)”
