At my annual checkup in 2024, my primary care physician recommended and ordered a low-dose CT scan. I was afraid of what the test might find, since I started smoking as a teenager. I have a 50-pack-year smoking history.
I took the LDCT, and the radiologist’s report noted a “very suspicious” lung nodule in the upper lobe of the right lung. I was terrified. The follow-up PET scan showed a 95% probability of lung cancer. I immediately quit smoking cold turkey.
I got active, researched my insurance provider’s network and found a well-qualified care team: a pulmonologist, cardiologist and thoracic surgeons. I felt confident in their expertise and stayed positive about my treatment plan.
One month later, my first thoracic surgeon performed a robotic-assisted bronchoscopy. The biopsy confirmed my diagnosis: stage 1 non-small cell lung cancer adenocarcinoma.
My pulmonologist, two surgeons and I decided my treatment should follow the “gold standard” for lung cancer: a robotic-assisted lobectomy at my local medical center. Using a robotic controller, my second thoracic surgeon—who had performed more than 100 lobectomies—completed the procedure in about 90 minutes. He made four small incisions to insert surgical instruments and removed the tumor completely. He also removed a nearby lymph node for testing.
One week later, the lab report found no malignancy in the lymph node. The cancer had not spread. I did not need chemotherapy. Several follow-up CT scans showed no sign of cancer. I am 100% cancer-free.
I am eternally grateful to everyone who assisted in my journey to recovery. Six weeks after surgery, I returned to my regular cardio and strength training routine. And I do not smoke.
