Patient Stories: Christine

Christine’s Lung Cancer Story

Christine’s Lung Cancer Story

“With Memorial on my side, I was stronger than cancer — three times,” said Christine. She fought and beat lung cancer at Memorial Cancer Institute.

In 1999, Christine was in a car accident and needed a chest X-ray. It was then that she discovered she had lung cancer. She was shocked, but glad they found it when they did. Christine had surgery at Memorial Cancer Institute at Memorial Regional Hospital to remove her tumor, and she was cancer-free.

“I was surprised, because I am not a smoker and had never been a smoker,” Christine said. “But they got rid of that cancer, and I really felt like it was kind of a fluky thing that happened.”

Christine’s five-year scans were clear, but she decided to have scans one more time after 10 years, just to prove to herself that she was actually cured. Unfortunately, she received bad news.

“She had a tumor reoccurrence,” said Ana Botero, MD, a radiation oncologist at Memorial Cancer Institute. Christine had five tumors on her lungs, or stage 3 lung cancer. This time, she didn’t think she stood a chance.

“People don’t usually live through stage 3 lung cancer,” she said. “So for me, that was scary.”

Dr. Botero encouraged Christine to fight.

“I told her not to look at the Internet, not to look at the prognosis, because the prognosis is different for every individual.”

Dr. Botero and the team at Memorial Cancer Institute created a care plan for Christine that included chemotherapy and CyberKnife®, a radiosurgery system that targets and destroys hard-to-reach tumors with submillimeter accuracy. Once again, the treatment worked — and Christine was stronger than cancer.

Five years later, in 2014, Christine began having vision problems. A scan revealed her lung cancer had moved to her brain.

“So we did CyberKnife again, and here I am, talking to you today,” Christine said. “So far, so good.”

The level of support and caring Christine received at Memorial Cancer Institute stands out to her most.

“When I came in here five years later and walked in the door, the person at the counter said, ‘Miss Christine,’” she said. “They remembered me from five years ago.”

Dr. Botero remembers a time when successfully treating late-stage lung cancer was far more difficult. Advances in treatment technology and the expertise of the Memorial Cancer Institute team mean Christine and many others like her can fight even complicated cancers — and win.

“I think that the technology is as good as it comes, but what really makes the difference – besides having a patient with courage – is the team,” Dr. Botero said.

That team is led by Luis Raez, MD, medical director of Memorial Cancer Institute.

“We have outstanding doctors, we have excellent technology and we have very good programs that make our cancer center one of the best in Florida and southeastern United States,” Dr. Raez said.

The strength of Memorial Cancer Institute’s lung cancer program is built upon the expertise of its physicians, who are internationally recognized leaders in research and treatment.  

“My passion is to fight for lung cancer patients, and to spend the rest of my life trying to find a cure for this disease,” said Dr. Raez, who has been involved in more than 90 peer publications and has conducted more than 67 clinical trials in his 20-year career.  

Christine said her strength comes from above. But it also comes from Memorial Cancer Institute.

“The staff at Memorial has been by my side the whole time,” Christine said. “They’re always cheerful. They’re always helpful. You don’t ever have to be afraid of anything. They guide you through it all. They’re always positive, and they’re always telling you you’re going to get through this.”

 Dr. Botero agreed.

“My patients are stronger with Memorial Cancer Institute on their side.”

To speak with a patient navigator, call 954-265-4325.