Living with Lung Cancer: Not Curable — But Treatable
From BestHealth, September 2007
Lung cancer remains one of the toughest cancers to beat, but more and more patients are hearing this optimistic news: “It’s not curable but it is treatable.”
That’s what Russell Harris, a banking executive from Marion, N.C., learned after a diagnosis of “cancer of uncertain origin but probably from the lung” in July 2006.
“I am so grateful that my physician urged me to come to Wake Forest Baptist for treatment,” said Harris. His doctor knew that a National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center like Wake Forest Baptist would offer the profound advantage of clinical trials and therapies not available elsewhere. And with a challenge like lung cancer, that could make all the difference.
“In addition to my lung, cancer was also evident in my spinal column, liver and pelvis,” said Harris. “When I met Drs. Antonius Miller and Kevin McMullen, I knew that I was in good hands and had made the right choice.”
Through radiation oncologist McMullen, Harris participated in a clinical trial of stereotactic body radiation therapy, an emerging technology in which Wake Forest Baptist physicians have tremendous expertise. He was encased in a body frame as radiation was targeted directly at the tumors.
Following radiosurgery, medical oncologist Miller ordered multiple rounds of chemotherapy. The lung and spine lesions disappeared, but liver and pelvis lesions remained. Harris underwent two more rounds of chemo; now he is being closely monitored.
“I feel good and have strong faith...we’ll keep addressing these challenges as they appear,” said Harris. “I couldn’t have asked for a more caring or compassionate team. Dr. Miller told me, ‘Only God knows what’s going to happen but it’s my job to keep you alive.’
“With physicians as talented as these, I’m optimistic.”
The Comprehensive Advantage
• The Comprehensive Cancer Center at Wake Forest Baptist is one of only 39 centers designated “Comprehensive” by the National Cancer Institute — an assurance of the latest cancer knowledge, research and treatment.
• The Thoracic Oncology Program (TOP) at Wake Forest Baptist consolidates the services of cancer specialists in pulmonary medicine, medical oncology, cardiothoracic surgery, radiation oncology, radiology and pathology, for care of patients with malignancies of the chest (lung cancer, mesothelioma, carcinoid tumor and thymoma). The TOP offers state-of-the-art interventional pulmonary procedures, surgical techniques, radiation techniques and chemotherapy.
• A research leader, Wake Forest Baptist offers patients access to trials that originate here as well as CALGB (Cancer and Leukemia Group B) research initiatives.