Memorial Cancer Institute
You're Looking at A Survivor
- Cancer Institute Home
- About Us
- Disease-Specific Programs
- Health Library
- Medical Oncology/Hematology
- Meet the Physicians
- Newsletter
- Radiation Oncology
- Surgical Oncology
- Gynecologic Oncology
- Clinical Research
- Clinical Trials
- Hereditary Cancer / Genetics Program
- Support Services
- The Image Recovery Center®
- Testimonials
- Online Cancer Resources
- Patient Registration Forms
- Contact Us
When 52-year-old Melody of Dania Beach developed acute respiratory symptoms, she learned that she had pneumonia—and a small lesion on her right lung.
Melody had survived a previous bout with lung cancer in 1996, so when additional tests revealed she also had a suspicious-looking lymph node near her heart, she resolved to obtain the most technologically advanced care available.
Melody researched hospitals in Florida as well as a major cancer center in New York before choosing Memorial Cancer Institute’s thoracic oncology program, led by Raja Mudad, MD.
“Memorial’s program is the best, and Dr. Mudad is far superior to any other oncologist I consulted. He favors an aggressive approach to treating cancer, an approach that I personally share,” she said. “Memorial also provides timely access to care. When you have cancer or think you do, you don’t want to wait four weeks for an appointment.”
Comprehensive Cancer Services in One Location
Melody’ thoracic lymph node biopsy was performed by Mark Block, MD, one of the only thoracic surgeons in the United States qualified to perform the procedure in a minimally invasive fashion, using endoscopic ultrasound equipment that accesses the lymph nodes via the esophagus or bronchi.
“Normally, an invasive operation called a mediastinoscopy is done to biopsy the lymph nodes in the central chest area. But Melody had had a mediastinoscopy 11 years ago, and a repeat procedure is risky; therefore the endobronchial ultrasound was ideal for her,” explained Dr. Block, who is on the medical staff of Memorial Regional Hospital, Memorial Regional Hospital South, Memorial Hospital West and Memorial Hospital Pembroke.
When Melody’ biopsy tested positive, Dr. Mudad implemented an evidence-based, multidisciplinary treatment plan that included chemotherapy, radiation, therapeutic massage, nutrition counseling, pulmonary exercise and surgery.
Melody’ care was greatly enhanced by the on-site availability of Memorial’s comprehensive cancer services, especially the surgery. Memorial is one of the few non-academic cancer centers that are affiliated with a surgeon—in this case, Dr. Block—who routinely operates on patients who are deemed high-risk due to previous lung surgery or pre-operative chemotherapy and radiation therapy.
Now cancer-free and on adjunctive chemotherapy, Melody exercises one mile on the treadmill every day without any respiratory difficulty.
“When you have cancer, you can’t let it beat you. You’ve gotta be determined to win,” said Melody. “I believe in Memorial because they understand that, and they take great care of me.”
To learn more about Memorial’s lung cancer program, please call (954) 265-6407, and provide your detailed contact information.
For Memorial physician, call our Physician Referral Service toll-free at
(800) 944-DOCS, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.