“I’m Not Going to Live”: Lance Armstrong Recalled ‘Scary List of Questions’ After Cancer Diagnosis in 1996

Before the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) found Lance Armstrong guilty of doping, the cyclist was among the most famous athletes in the world. In fact, Lance popularized endurance cycling in America. Lance had also won the Tour de France seven times in a row. However, he was more than just an elite athlete. Lance had beaten cancer and inspired millions.

However, battling cancer and going through hospital rounds can be a defeating and scary experience. In a 2012 interview, Armstrong revealed how he felt after getting the news. He also explained the “scary questions” that plagued his mind.

The questions no one could answer

During an exclusive interview with Texas Monthly, Lance opened up about his cancer diagnosis. In October 1996, Lance learned he had stage-three testicular cancer. “It was the scariest, most humbling, (and) freakiest moment,” of his life. “Everything flashes before you“, said Lance. The Tour de France winner’s first reaction was to think about death.

The seven-time champion said it doesn’t make a difference if cancer gets detected early. Even if doctors feel confident, the ones who receive the diagnosis don’t feel the same. “Oh shit. I’m not going to live,”  is what most people think. Lance also admitted things only get worse from there as many questions flood people’s minds. And no one can answer them.

Armstrong revealed the list of questions that plagued him after the diagnosis. Questions about treatment, surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation plagued Armstrong. The cycling legend thought about how he would handle all this. However, the list of questions didn’t stop there. The Tour de France winner also thought about cancer’s impact on his life.

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“How’s this going to affect my home life? How does this affect my professional life?” thought Lance. Lance also revealed only people who have survived cancer or have relapsed know how to answer such questions.

Lance Armstrong and the Livestrong Foundation

During the interview, Lance stressed the necessity of getting the correct answers. The cancer survivor said the Livestrong Foundation is working toward providing the answers to those questions. The Foundation’s community-based approach helps people learn insightful information from survivors. Lance stressed the fact that the right advice after getting diagnosed can help those battling cancer immensely.

The seven-time Tour de France winner established the Lance Armstrong Foundation in 1997. However, after the doping scandal in 2012, the Foundation rebranded itself as the Livestrong Foundation.

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While Lance fell from grace after the doping scandal, Livestrong continues to work on raising awareness.