To tell you the truth, I’m not really sure when my journey with this demon known as cancer began. He hid in my body for quite some time. I had been a smoker for decades but had quit for a few years. When I saw my PCP, Saundra Clark, NP-C in 2020, she recommended I get my lungs screened because of my past history as a smoker. The results of this test showed a small suspicious nodule that NP Clark decided we should keep an eye on. For the next 4 years, I came to all my regular annual checkups and NP Clark would urge me to get a follow up scan of my lungs to make sure this nodule hadn’t progressed. But I felt fine, so I didn’t follow her advice. Then in my August 2024 annual appointment, NP Clark’s urging and insistence increased, so as an afterthought I agreed to have the scan scheduled.
It was a week before my birthday when I got the scan done and I was getting ready for a weekend of partying with family & friends. I was at work on Thursday when I got a “ding” on my phone from “MyCharts”. I opened it up and saw the results. I had cancer! My face must have dropped because a coworker asked me what was going on. I told her my news. We were both in disbelief. I FELT FINE. This was not the birthday surprise I was expecting.
Within minutes my phone rang and it was NP Clark calling! After our initial discussion, she sprung into action and referred me to a local oncologist who she had good experiences with for other patients. This was Dr. Keralavarma. Within weeks I had a biopsy, blood tests, consultations, and began chemotherapy. He worked his best to get this cancer under control. I went through one round of chemotherapy and radiation together. Boom looked good, not cured, but had the beast under control. His next step was immunotherapy, which worked somewhat, but not good enough. Small cell lung cancer is very aggressive. We tried one more attempt at chemotherapy, but that wasn’t getting the results we wanted. This was tough both emotionally and physically, but I kept moving forward with whatever my care team suggested to me. I had learned my lesson from not listening to Saundra Clark’s recommendations for the previous 4 years!
Looking for other options, my oncologist referred me to MD Anderson Cancer Center at Rush. The team at Rush wanted an additional biopsy to confirm the type of cancer I had. Rush recommended a brand-new type of immunotherapy known as a Bi-specific antibody. As part of this treatment, I was going to need to be hospitalized in Chicago while the treatment was initiated. Then I would need to receive extended therapy in Chicago for the foreseeable future. I was willing to do anything. But at the recommendation of my sister and my friend, I went to get a second opinion at Northwest Cancer Centers.
I met with Dr. Shruti Singh at Northwest Cancer Centers, and I am glad that I did! Dr. Singh was really on point and did not mess around. She agreed with the need for a 2nd biopsy. She sent out the referral to the surgeon I had previously worked with, but they were slow in responding. So Dr. Singh personally got on the phone with another surgery group and got my biopsy done within a few days. Based on those results, she suggested the same treatment plan that Rush had mentioned. There were 2 differences. First, I could get the treatment in Dyer instead of Chicago! Second, the group at Northwest Cancer Centers is experienced in administering bis-specifics. For patients with the right support system, there is not a requirement of hospitalization.
Thank God for my support team of my best friend and sister who not only suggested I get another opinion but are here for me during the start of this new treatment.
I’m so thankful I listened to them, and I am now seeing Dr. Singh at Northwest Cancer Centers. What an awesome group to have your back to fight this demon. A few weeks ago, I began receiving treatment close to home instead of Chicago. And with my friends and family by my side, hopefully no hospital stay will be needed. I’ve gotta be watched 24/7 for the first 3 treatments. Today I am receiving the 3rd treatment. So now that I am almost over this hump, I should be fine and continue this treatment every 2 weeks for as long as it’s working.
I’m not going to tell you that the start of this treatment hasn’t been rough, but with God’s will and grace my side effects will become less painful and more controllable knowing it is temporary.
In fact, week 2 was better than week 1, and with the extra hydration, steroids, and other meds I’m receiving, I know the side effects can be managed and seem to be getting better with time.
God has this all in his hands now. I fight for my 5 grandchildren who are my world. The support of family members and friends during all of this has been amazing.
Have I been through a lot, absolutely… and I have a ton more to do. If I’ve learned a few things, that I could share with others, here they are.
First, go to your annual or regular checkups and when you do…follow the advice of your provider for the recommended screenings.
Second, fight as hard as you can, never surrender to this demon, keep the faith and always fight for the ones you love and hold dear to your heart.
Third, keepinging an open mind along with a positive attitude is the healthiest thing for this battle.
Am I scared, absolutely! I’d be insane if I wasn’t. But, but with the support of my family & friends, my positive attitude, and an awesome medical team beginning with Saundra Clark, moving on to everyone else along the way and continuing to Dr. Singh and her team… anything can be done.
