2/6/20

In November 2018, Carol insisted I see our doctor because of a persistent cough – that led to a chest X-Ray that revealed a mass on my lung. I had experienced no other symptoms, other than the cough.

The previous April I'd been hospitalized with a case of pneumonia.  Upon discharge they recommended a follow up X-Ray in a few of months.  That X-Ray was apparently misread by the radiologist - the tumors were there but apparently missed.

After seeing my primary care doctor (at Carol's insistance), another X-Ray was ordered and that was when I was properly diagnosed. Having questionable confidence in my local hospital, I decided to call Memorial Sloan Kettering to get a second opinion.  They agreed to see me the very next day and in early January 2019 robotically removed the tumors and 12 lymph nodes (5 showing traces of cancer) as well as a significant portion of my right lung. (I was in surgery for 6 hours.)

The pathology report showed that I had had Stage II B lung cancer, but the doctor felt confident she had gotten it all. Chemotherapy treatments were suggested. The oncologist said she wouldn’t normally suggest chemo for someone my age but, because my overall health was good, gave me the option of considering it. I decided to forego the chemo for several reasons. The oncologist said the chances of cancer reappearing is about 50% after 5 years.  Chemo might have reduced that to 40-45% - a small benefit for the likely side effects.

Apparently the good Lord isn't ready for me yet, but of course that’s His call, not mine.

I’m glad to be able to say I'm now 13 months cancer free and feeling fine.

Lessons Learned:

1. Listen to your wife!

2. Always get a second opinion!

Call me if you have any questions about this - 610-737-1640.