BlackDoctor.org: Was it difficult to get an accurate diagnosis?
Colette: After the scan the doctors advised me to follow up with my primary care provider (PCP) and advised me to have a scan six months later. My PCP was vigilant and ordered me to repeat the scan in 4 months instead of the suggested six months. Following the second scan I still did not have a diagnosis. Then, I had to do a PET scan and still no diagnosis. In fact, some doctors even advised me to wait another six months. I then started networking with people I knew were resourceful and have relationships with doctors at Mount Sinai. It was a cardio thoracic surgeon who guided me through the next steps of having a lung biopsy. Then, finally when I was still not able to get a diagnosis that doctor compared the original scan and the final scan and pointed out to me that although the nodule had not grown it had thickened. He also showed me on the scan that the nodule appeared as though it was seeking a source of blood supply. It was then that I decided that surgery was my only option. When I awoke from surgery on September 17, 2015 it was then that I learned that the nodule was malignant and that my upper left lung had been completely removed.
BlackDoctor.org: What was your treatment process like? What did you do to assist in having a successful treatment outcome?
Colette: Because I was diagnosed with stage 1A lung cancer my treatment was to remove the entire lung tissue. I did not need radiation or chemotherapy, as the cancer was contained. Recovery was very painful though and throughout my recovery I had to advise myself a lot! I complained about pain, however, after six weeks the surgeon released me from his care. Again, I had to advocate for myself and find help through pain management and yoga.