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Watching Judith enjoy a vigorous hour of Israeli folk dancing, it’s hard to believe she is receiving treatment for metastatic lung cancer. In the 18 months since her primary care physician found a tumor in her right lung, the 61-year-old has undergone several operations and rounds of chemotherapy and has been hospitalized multiple times. The only thing that equals her love of life is her respect for the treatment she receives from the comprehensive lung cancer team at Memorial Cancer Institute.
“It’s clear they care about their patients. The standard of care is very high,” she says.
Mark Block, MD, a thoracic surgeon who specializes in lung cancer and is on the medical staffs of Memorial Regional Hospital, Memorial Regional Hospital South, Memorial Hospital West and Memorial Hospital Pembroke, removed Judith’s tumor and affected lymph nodes before she underwent three rounds of chemotherapy and six weeks of radiation. Shortly after radiation ended, a PET scan revealed a spot on her kidney. The cancer had spread. Her medical oncologist, Raja Mudad, MD, Director of the Lung Cancer Program at Memorial Cancer Institute, started Judith on another round of chemotherapy with three different agents. When the size of the tumor did not change, he switched agents.
The new regimen appears to be working. The tumors in Judith’s kidney and bones have shrunk, and no new growths have been seen in her lungs or nodes. She is scheduled to undergo two more treatments.
Streamlined Service for Patients
Drs. Mudad and Block work closely together to conduct the diagnostic and treatment process in record time, involving colleagues in pulmonology and radiation oncology to determine the ideal therapy for each patient.
“We see every patient with suspected or diagnosed lung cancer within a few days, determine the best treatment plan and ensure patients receive appointments with the right specialists. Patients are relieved that we take care of everything. If I had lung cancer, this is how I would want my care to be,” says Dr. Mudad.
A lymph node biopsy is performed to determine the stage of the disease. Dr. Block uses ultrasound probes inserted in the trachea and esophagus to obtain tissue samples from lymph nodes on all sides of the lungs.
If the nodes are negative, the tumor is simply removed. Whenever possible, Dr. Block uses a minimally invasive, cutting-edge technique called video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS), which requires only a small incision between the ribs. When the lymph nodes are positive, chemotherapy is given with or without surgery, depending on the lymph nodes involved.
Multiple clinical trials of new drugs and drug combinations are offered for all stages of lung cancer. These include a vaccine for nonmetastatic lung cancer, which stimulates the immune system to attack any residual cells lurking in the body.
Throughout the process, Judith has relied on the judgment of her Memorial medical team to treat her medical problems and their compassion to boost her spirits.
“Dr. Mudad really cares. He does not let me give up. He answers my tough questions, and when he gives me good news, he radiates all over,” says Judith. “But a doctor doesn’t work alone, and Dr. Mudad’s staff is also wonderful. Without exception, everyone loves their job.”
For more information about Memorial Cancer Institute, please call our Memorial Regional Hospital location at (954) 265-6363 or our Memorial Hospital West location at (954) 844-6868.
If you would like a referral to a physician, call Memorial Physician Referral Service toll-free at (800) 944-DOCS. We’re available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.