My name is Luana Hiebert. I’m 64 years old and have lived in Saskatchewan for 40 years. My husband and I raised our two children in Langham, where I spent 10 years as a medic and firefighter with the local fire department. Afterward, I worked for 20 years in communications at MD Ambulance.
In February 2022, my husband sadly passed away from lung and liver cancer. He used to smoke, so while his diagnosis wasn’t a total shock, it was still heartbreaking. He was diagnosed on a Monday night, became unconscious by Friday, and passed away by Saturday morning. It all happened so fast, just five days after we found out.
In December 2023, I had a chest X-ray that revealed a considerable mass in my upper right lung. Two days after Christmas, I was diagnosed with Stage 4 lung cancer. It was a devastating blow, especially since I’ve always lived an active, healthy life. I hiked, biked, and didn’t smoke. Cancer was the last thing I expected. When I heard the diagnosis, I thought, “Are you kidding me?” I had hoped it was something else—anything but cancer.
After my diagnosis, I researched lung cancer causes and discovered that radon is the second leading cause of the disease. I didn’t know much about it before, but after finding information on Lung Saskatchewan’s website, I ordered a radon test kit. The results were shocking: the radon levels in my home were over 500 Bq/m³ (Becquerels per cubic meter), more than double the 200 Bq/m³ limit recommended by Health Canada. I spent a lot of time working out in my basement, which had the highest radon levels, while even upstairs measured dangerously high at 280 Bq/m³. I had no idea about this hidden threat, and it was a wake-up call.
I’m grateful I tested my home, but it breaks my heart to think this lung cancer could have been prevented. If only I had known how easy it was to test my home and fix the high radon levels. After seeing those alarming radon test results, I took action to mitigate the radon levels in my home to ensure it was safe. Fixing the problem was quick and affordable. It was a huge relief to take control of at least one factor affecting my health. I truly believe radon exposure is the reason I was diagnosed with lung cancer.
Now, I’m on immunotherapy, and while some days are exhausting, I’m grateful for the treatment. The side effects are manageable, and it’s been a better choice for me than chemotherapy or radiation. When my doctor suggested immunotherapy, it just felt right. I didn’t hesitate. It’s been almost a year since my diagnosis, and everything still feels like a blur. My lung cancer diagnosis came just a year after my husband passed away, and it’s been overwhelming.
I’ve faced tough health challenges before. Twenty-five years ago, I underwent experimental brain surgery to treat an aneurysm. The doctors said I could either take the chance on surgery or risk dying at any moment. With young kids at home, I didn’t think twice. I survived that, and I’ll face this, too. I’m not afraid of dying—it’s the journey from here to there that’s hard. I had planned to spend my retirement traveling the world like I had done for years, visiting places like Machu Picchu, Australia, and Nepal. But now, with my oxygen tank in tow, those plans have changed. My retirement looks very different from what I imagined.
Life with lung cancer has changed everything. Even simple tasks like climbing stairs can be a challenge. I wonder how long I’ll be
able to stay in my home. Who’s going to mow the grass? Who’s going to clean the house? I never thought I’d have to worry about these things, but now I do. I’m downsizing my life, preparing for the future so my children won’t have to bear that burden when the time comes.
If there’s one thing I hope you take away from my story, it’s this: prevention is everything. Don’t wait until it’s too late. Take care of your health, your home, and your loved ones. We all have the power to make a difference. The truth is, lung cancer doesn’t discriminate. Some people never touch a cigarette and still end up getting lung cancer. And for those who do smoke, it’s unfair to judge them. Addiction is real, and people try their best. My husband struggled to quit, and I saw firsthand how hard it was for him. No one has the right to judge unless they’ve walked in those shoes. For anyone facing a health challenge, my advice is to set up your resources early because you’ll need them eventually. Celebrate the small wins! For me, my tumour hasn’t grown, and even though I’ve had complications, it’s still something worth celebrating.
Testing your home for radon is a simple step that could save lives. If more people knew about the dangers of radon exposure and took action, much suffering could be prevented. I can’t stress enough how important organizations like Lung Saskatchewan are. They provide resources and support that many don’t even realize are available. I didn’t know until I needed them, and I’m incredibly grateful for their help.
Lung cancer is often caught too late, and I want to change that. Let this be the good that comes from my journey. If sharing my story helps just one family avoid what I’m going through, it will have been worth it. Please test your home for radon to keep you and your family safe.
Yours sincerely,
Luana
Testing your home is easy, inexpensive, and can save lives!
All homes have some level of radon, the only way to know the level in your home is to test. Now is the perfect time to test your home! Health Canada recommends that homeowners do a long-term radon test for at least three months during the fall or winter. Learn more at www.HomeRadonTest.ca.