Navigating the Terminal Void: The Unheroic Misadventures of a Simple-Hearted Idiot
I started this blog to chronicle the unheroic misadventures of a simple-hearted idiot touched by the curse of lung cancer. In a world that often demands "warrior" narratives and "heroic battles," I find myself instead navigating the "Grey Zone"—a space where the palliative label suggests the system has done its math, but the heart hasn't finished its story.
I am an analytical overthinker who, until recently, measured life in marathons and code. Now, I’m relying on curiosity and a healthy dose of dry humor to navigate the weight of a terminal diagnosis.
Before the Void
I’m Lucian (Luc) Arie Isaak, and I live in Vancouver, BC, Canada, with my wife, Sheryl. For the past 21 years, I’ve worked as a software engineer at Electronic Arts.
My transition into the "Lung Void" was abrupt. In January 2025, I completed the Disney World Marathon. Just three months later, in April, I was diagnosed with stage IV lung cancer at age 55—a never-smoker with the EGFR+ Exon 21 L858R mutation. Before this diagnosis, I ran with the Vancouver Falcons Athletic Club (VFAC) and completed 18 marathons, including all six world majors.
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| With Cali, Tina & Ian's most loving dog in the world |
Clinical Reference: For those interested in the technical timeline, mutations, and medical progression, I maintain a detailed log here: