From OHC

July 18, 2024

According to the American Cancer Society, lung cancer is the second most common cancer in both men and women in the U.S.  Typically, those with lung cancer are 65 or older when diagnosed, with an average age of 70.  It is the leading cause of cancer death in the U.S. and the greatest risk factor is a history of smoking.  However, secondhand smoke can also be a factor, as OHC patient

Deborah Holloway learned.

After a long battle with pneumonia, Deborah’s pulmonologist did a scan and found a spot on her lung.  They decided it wasn’t alarming and would keep an eye on it.  Only a year later in 2021, after an upper respiratory infection and another scan, it was discovered that the spot had grown.  After a few more tests, Deborah was diagnosed with stage 3A non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in her right lung at the age of 58.

Despite never smoking, Deborah spent most of her life around those who did.  At a time in her life when she could have been spending time with her newest grandchild, only a few months old at the time she was diagnosed, Deborah was instead getting ready for the biggest battle of her life.

Her partner in this battle would be OHC medical oncologist and hematologist, Prasad R. Kudalkar, MD.  “Deborah was diagnosed with NSCLC in her right upper lobe and right paratracheal lymph node. This stage can be treatable, and I was hopeful.  We recommended an aggressive treatment plan of concurrent chemotherapy and radiation therapy followed by immunotherapy for one year to give her the best possible outcome,” explains Dr. Kudalkar.

Deborah describes the initial meeting with Dr. Kudalkar.  “I was so confused and scared and just overwhelmed.  I had so many questions and Dr. K was so calm, ready to answer all of my questions.  You’re putting your life in someone else’s hands and I knew from that meeting that I was where I needed to be,” shares Deborah.

Treatment was hard for Deborah, taking her energy and appetite.  Her daughter-in-law, who she credits with helping her through the experience, drove her to appointments when she was too weak to drive.  Even speaking became difficult and required Deborah to take her time.  Regardless of the effects of the cancer and the treatment, Deborah was strong for her grandkids.  “That’s what kept me going.  Thinking of them and wanting to be here to see them grow,” she says.

Thanks to her determination and the treatment plan created by Dr. Kudalkar, Deborah went into remission and has remained there since her treatment.  She is grateful to her doctors and the staff at OHC.  “It felt like they rolled out the red carpet for me.  They made me feel like I was somebody, like I was a celebrity patient with how much attention they gave me. I felt so comfortable and taken care of,” says Deborah.

While Deborah still has some breathing issues and remains on oxygen, it’s a small price to pay to be able to see her grandchildren grow up.  Her grandson who was only a few months old when she was first diagnosed is now talking and loves to say “Grandma.”  Deborah shares her advice to those who have been just diagnosed: “Trust the doctors at OHC, go to your treatments, and stand up and stay strong.”

If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with lung cancer, contact OHC to schedule an appointment or second opinion with one of our cancer experts. We offer leading-edge therapies and treatments to provide our patients with the best possible outcomes. Schedule online or call 888-649-4800.